Lush Designs – Bone China Mug – Fancy Handle Bantam Mug

Artist: Lush Designs
Price: £23.00 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Bone china
Condition: New
Size: 8.5cm high 8.5cm diameter

Bone china with delicate detail and embellishment. Apparently they are, in fact, miniature chickens!

Bantams: A Brief Overview

Bantams are small-sized domestic chickens selectively bred for their miniature stature, ornamental qualities, and, in some cases, utility as egg layers. The term encompasses both true bantams (naturally small breeds) and miniaturised versions of standard breeds.

Definition and Classification

1. True Bantams

These are breeds with no large counterpart, developed as small birds in their own right.

Examples include:

• Sebright
• Dutch Bantam
• Japanese Bantam

Characteristics:

• Genetically small (not reduced from larger stock)
• Often bred for exhibition and ornamental value

2. Miniature (Standard) Bantams

These are scaled-down versions of larger breeds, bred to replicate the appearance of standard chickens.

Examples include:

• Pekin (Cochin bantam type)
• Wyandotte bantam
• Orpington bantam

Characteristics:

• Maintain the conformation, plumage, and colouring of full-sized breeds
• Produced through selective breeding for reduced size

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Typically 25–50% of the mass of standard chickens
• Weight: Commonly between 500 g and 1 kg (varies by breed)
• Body type: Compact, often rounded or upright depending on breed
• Plumage: Frequently elaborate; includes laced, frizzled, or feather-footed varieties
• Comb and wattles: Proportionally smaller but breed-specific in shape

Some bantams—particularly ornamental types—display exaggerated traits such as:

• extremely short legs (Japanese Bantam)
• intricate feather patterning (Sebright)

Temperament and Behaviour

• Generally docile and manageable, though temperament varies by breed
• Often more active and flight-capable than larger chickens
• Some varieties are notably tame and suitable for handling
• Can be assertive despite size, particularly males

They are commonly used in:

• small-scale poultry keeping
• garden or backyard settings
• educational and exhibition contexts

Egg Production

• Eggs are smaller than those of standard chickens
• Typical output: 50–150 eggs per year (breed-dependent)
• Some breeds are good broodies, making them useful for:
  • incubating eggs
  • rearing chicks (including those of other breeds)

Egg colour varies by breed:

• white (e.g. Dutch Bantam)
• tinted or brown (e.g. Pekin types)

Uses

1. Ornamental / Exhibition

The primary modern role:

• widely shown in poultry exhibitions
• valued for plumage, symmetry, and breed standards

2. Companion Animals

• Suitable for small spaces
• Often kept as pet poultry due to manageable size

3. Utility (Limited)

• Egg production (small scale)
• Brooding ability valued by breeders

Housing and Management

• Require secure housing, as their small size makes them vulnerable to predators
• Need adequate fencing—many can fly better than large breeds
• Feed requirements are lower, but nutrition must still be balanced
• Sensitive to cold if heavily feathered or small-bodied

Historical Context

The origin of bantams is partly uncertain, but:

• The name is believed to derive from Bantam (Banten) in Indonesia, where small chickens were encountered by European sailors
• They became popular in Europe from the 17th–18th centuries onward
• By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bantams were firmly established in British poultry fancying culture, with formal breed standards and exhibition classes

Summary

Bantams are a diverse category of miniature chickens, combining ornamental appeal, manageable size, and practical uses in small-scale poultry keeping. Their enduring popularity stems from:

• visual variety
• adaptability to limited space
• historical association with poultry breeding and exhibition traditions

Lush Designs: A Brief Description

Lush Designs is a British company that creates a wide array of beautifully illustrated homeware, with designs that capture a sense of whimsy and charm. Their collections include lampshades, cushions, ceramics, and tea towels, all featuring hand-drawn artwork inspired by nature, wildlife, and folklore.

With vibrant colours, bold patterns, and playful motifs, Lush Designs’ products are ideal for adding character and warmth to any space. Their lampshades, in particular, are known for their striking appearance, with intricate details and rich story-telling elements. We hold a large range in our Ripon gallery but we do not sell them online.

Sustainability is an important aspect of their work, and they focus on creating long-lasting, high-quality pieces. If you’re interested in British-made home décor that brings artistry and creativity to the forefront, Lush Designs offers distinctive items with a signature British touch.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and fine gifts is meticulously curated to ensure that it reflects refined taste and elegance.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every range is thoroughly researched and vetted to ensure that it meets our exacting standards.
• Expert Curation: We select each range with an eye for tastefulness, refinement, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of fine art, illustration, rare books, gifts and objects. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.