Happy Hens - Ceramic Hens, Chinas & Gifts

Beautifully hand crafted ceramic hens and chinaware with original conceptualisation.
Based on traditional poultry breeds once kept by New Zealands' pioneering women. These hand-decorated ceramic hens have become a firmly established object of NZ folk-art and won New Zealand's export award.

Their appeal is universal and the magic provokes good humour! Visitors wander through the studio/shop and see Happy Hens made and decorated!
• or view the website to purchase these famous little hens and other Happy Hen merchandise such as china tableware, linen and even Happy Hen chocolate! :o)


HAPPY HEN HISTORY
Happy Hens is an original concept, created by Yvonne Sutherland and inspired by stories of early New Zealand.
A career as an art teacher and a love of history led Yvonne into this thriving business with its growing export markets.

From personal studies of colonial history and interviewing older local residents Yvonne learned that the early pioneer women, who were responsible for the kitchen gardens of New [Yvonne & Friends] Zealand, chose their hens as much for their decorative qualities as for their egg production. Her own grandmother kept the big Black Orpingtons and as a child, Yvonne loved to collect the large brown eggs.

Happy Hens are made in the studio/workshop at Portobello on the beautiful OTAGO PENINSULA. A favourite route for tourists on their way to the Royal Albatross Colony and Portobello Aquarium.

• ORIGINALLY, all Happy Hens were hand-moulded however, as demand increased, Yvonne had to teach herself the slip-casting method of production.
Yvonne expanded both her New Zealand and overseas markets by participating in the big Craft Shows and retail Gift Trade Fairs in AUSTRALIA, SINGAPORE and NEW YORD!
As exports increased, Happy Hens won a New Zealand Export Award in 1989 and was a finalist in the American Express New Zealand Tourism Awards (souvenir category).
Happy Hens have become a firm Dunedin icon and have been tak