Antique Victorian Moonflask Vases attributed to Minton, Set of 2

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Modelled in a flattened circular moonflask form, each vase features intricate high-relief applied botanical work set against a glossy white … Read more Modelled in a flattened circular moonflask form, each vase features intricate high-relief applied botanical work set against a glossy white glazed porcelain ground. One vessel is decorated with an asymmetrical garland of open wild roses, foliage, and unopened buds, whilst its companion presents a trailing spray of convolvulus blooms, heart-shaped leaves, and curling tendrils arching across the face. The flasks rise from an oval spreading foot towards an undulating, saddle-shaped neck with a flared lip. Flanking the shoulders are twin moulded scroll handles that integrate into the circular profile. Fine parcel-gilt line work highlights the rim edge, neck collar, handle mouldings, and base rim, framing the stark monochrome surfaces without overpowering the sculptural detail. The reverse of each flask is finished in a smooth, undecorated glaze. Attributed to Minton and dating from the 1880s, the pair reflects the late 19th-century taste for Aesthetic Movement naturalism and blanc-de-chine influenced porcelain. Although the unglazed undersides retain only dark, fragmentary remnants of original marks rather than a legible factory backstamp, the potting quality, glaze purity, and relief modelling align closely with fine Staffordshire porcelain manufacture of the era. Each vase measures 23 cm in height by 18 cm in width. Both pieces present well overall, showing light surface rubbing to the gilded edges and minor contact marks to the unglazed footrings. Typical of delicate ceramic flowers, there are a few very small, unobtrusive nips to individual petal tips and leaf extremities, with no major cracks or restorations. See less