The term "hen on a nest" was first used by Westmoreland Glass back in the 1930s and later was shortened to "hen on nest." These dishes by Staffordshire and Dresden were popular from 1790 to 1820 ...

Please note its moniker is Hen on Nest not Hen on the Nest. The design probably started back in the 1800s because so many people kept and liked chickens.

So, by pretending to have a “broken wing,” the quail hen makes herself appear to be an easy target. She can then lure the predator away from her nest, giving her eggs a better chance of survival.