Large pair of crater vases with flowers, Brussels

Made by the Manufacture d'Ixelles I circa 1830-1850, this pair of porcelain krater vases was originally intended for use as wine coolers. Each vase stands on a pedestal foot set on a square base, with a body flaring towards a gilt-rimmed neck. The white porcelain body is decorated with painted flowers in varied hues, enriched with gilt scrollwork and arabesques. The sculpted and gilded handles incorporate a circular medallion at the top depicting a head in profile. From a private collection, this pair was exhibited in 1986 at Rouge-Cloître in Brussels. An example of identical form, with different painted decoration, is held in the collections of the Musée François Duesberg in Mons.