Description

Twelve Days of Christmas Three French Hens Ornament by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject
Twelve Days of Christmas Three French Hens Ornament by P. Buckley Moss is a numbered, limited edition porcelain ornament from the treasured Moss Ornament Collection and the Moss Twelve Days of Christmas Collection. Representing the third verse of the beloved Christmas carol, this ornament bursts with personality, color, and whimsical charm—perfectly showcasing Moss’s playful artistic spirit.

At the center of Twelve Days of Christmas Three French Hens Ornament, three delightfully expressive hens stand together in a proud cluster. Each hen is vibrantly adorned in shades of lavender, lilac, pearl blue, and snowy white, highlighted with intricate dot patterns and sparkling accent details. Their bright red combs and golden beaks contrast beautifully with their richly patterned bodies, giving each hen a spirited, almost theatrical presence.

Their feathers are decorated with layered textures, swirls, and folk-style ornamentation that shimmer against a magenta background. Delicate gold stars scatter across the backdrop, adding a whimsical, magical feel reminiscent of holiday twinkle lights.

The outer border, a lush speckled green reminiscent of frosted evergreens, frames the design and holds Moss’s iconic handwritten golden script:
“On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me…”
completing the scene with the phrase:
“Three French Hens.”
This poetic border ties the artwork into the rhythm of the Twelve Days carol, making it a cherished installment in the full series.

Style & Technique
In Moss’s unmistakable folk-art style, Twelve Days of Christmas Three French Hens combines stylization, whimsy, and decorative detail. The hens’ elongated silhouettes and expressive postures hint at personality and movement, while the intricate dotwork and swirling textures showcase Moss’s mastery of pattern and color.

The porcelain surface of Twelve Days of Christmas Three French Hens enhances the ornament’s rich palette—soft purples, ruby reds, winter greens, and muted golds—which glow beautifully when lit by holiday lights. Moss’s detailed brushwork and textural layering make this piece especially mesmerizing up close.

Mood & Inspiration
The mood of Twelve Days of Christmas Three French Hens Ornament is jubilant, lighthearted, and full of holiday spirit. French hens traditionally symbolize generosity and good fortune, making them a fitting subject for this festive verse.

Moss captures the charm of these character-filled birds with a blend of elegance and whimsy, celebrating the storytelling tradition of the Christmas carol and the joy of giving.

Placement & Gift Ideas
Twelve Days of Christmas Three French Hens is perfect for Christmas tree display with the included hanging cord or for showcasing on a tiny easel as part of a complete Twelve Days series collection. Its vibrant colors and lively design make it a standout piece among holiday décor.

A thoughtful gift for collectors, bird lovers, folk-art enthusiasts, and families building a tradition of collecting the full Twelve Days of Christmas series. Ideal for holiday gifting, seasonal decorating, and capturing the joyful energy of the season.

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. (see FAQs)

---

✨ Fun Fact:
In some interpretations of the carol, the “three French hens” symbolize faith, hope, and charity—three virtues often associated with the Christmas season.

🎁 Collector’s Insight:
With its bold colors, playful charm, and rich decorative detail, Twelve Days of Christmas Three French Hens is often considered one of the most character-filled pieces of the Twelve Days series—highly sought after by collectors completing their full set.

1996

Size: 3-5/16 inches diameter.

Any number of ornaments ship for the flat rate of $12.60

🎁 Available through Canada Goose Gallery in Waynesville, Ohio — your trusted source for the art of P. Buckley Moss.