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"Cock Pheasant" is a tapestry designed by John Henry Dearle for Morris & Co., the prominent English arts and crafts firm founded by William Morris. While "Cock Pheasant" is often associated with the work and ethos of Morris, it is crucial to emphasize that this specific design is attributed to Dearle, who became one of the leading designers for Morris & Co. after Morris's death.

The tapestry "Cock Pheasant" depicts a vibrant and idyllic natural scene centered around a pheasant in a lush woodland setting. The bird, a symbol of natural beauty and the bounty of the countryside, is shown in meticulous detail, highlighting its iridescent feathers with a rich spectrum of colors, including deep gold, emerald green, and warm chestnut tones. The background is adorned with foliage, flowers, and intertwining leaves, rendered in a harmonious palette of greens, blues, and earthy hues. This intricate detailing creates a tapestry that exudes both realism and the stylized aesthetic characteristic of the Arts and Crafts movement.

The scene captures the intricate beauty of nature in a way that celebrates both the form and function of natural elements. The tapestry's border is typically ornate, often featuring floral motifs that elegantly frame the central composition. This inclusion of natural elements echoed the broader Arts and Crafts principle of drawing inspiration from the natural world and traditional craftsmanship.

1. Artist Biography and Career:
- John Henry Dearle (1859–1932): Dearle started as an assistant at Morris & Co. and eventually became the chief designer and director of the firm's tapestry, carpet, and printed fabric section. He was a diligent student of Morris's principles but developed his own distinctive style over his career.
- William Morris (1834–1896): Founder of Morris & Co. and a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, Morris was committed to the revival of traditional craftsmanship and sought to oppose the industrialized production methods of his time. He inspired many, including Dearle, to create works that emphasized beauty and utility.

2. Artistic Movements:
- Arts and Crafts Movement: This movement, which emerged in the late 19th century in Britain, aimed to promote handcraftsmanship and stressed the inherent value of handmade objects. It was a reaction against the poor quality and dehumanizing effects of industrial manufacturing.

3. Current Location:
- The original tapestry "Cock Pheasant" designed by Dearle can be found in various collections, but notable examples of works by Dearle and Morris & Co. are often displayed in institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which holds a significant collection of Arts and Crafts artifacts.

4. Significance in the Artist's Career:
- Integration with Morris & Co.: As a key figure in Morris & Co., Dearle's work represents the continuation and evolution of Morris’s legacy. The harmony between functionality and beauty that Dearle achieved in his tapestries underscored the enduring relevance of Arts and Crafts principles.
- Stylistic Traits: Dearle's designs, including "Cock Pheasant," show a pronounced attention to detail and a balanced use of color that reflect both natural observation and a sophisticated sense of pattern and decoration.

- The detailed craftsmanship visible in the feathers and flora demonstrates the high level of skill involved in the tapestry's creation.
- The use of natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques aligns with the Arts and Crafts ideology of transparency in the production process.
- The thematic choice of a pheasant, a bird often associated with the English countryside, underscores the movement’s romanticism towards nature and a pre-industrial way of life.

The tapestry "Cock Pheasant" remains a testament to the enduring beauty and relevance of the Arts and Crafts movement, encapsulating the ideals of both John Henry Dearle and William Morris in its celebration of the natural world through masterful craftsmanship.