Antique Victorian Hand-Painted Biscuit Barrel c. 1891

*Note this item is currently available for reserve as it is currently on its way from England. Upon purchase, expected ship date is September 1st.

A spectacular late-Victorian biscuit barrel dating to circa 1891, richly decorated in a striking coral, cobalt blue and iron-red floral palette with gilt detailing. The ceramic body features beautifully molded ribbed borders and exuberant hand-applied decoration with a distinctly Aesthetic Movement and Japonisme influence.

The barrel retains its original silver-plated fittings, including a fitted lid with decorative finial and an unusually handsome architectural swing handle. The metal collar is stamped EPNS, denoting electro-plated nickel silver.

Most notably, the underside bears British Registered Design No. 173045, providing an important period reference for this wonderfully decorative Victorian piece.

Both beautiful and functional, this is an exceptional antique for the collector who loves pieces that feel discovered rather than decorated around.

CONDITION
Very good antique condition with age-appropriate wear consistent with a piece dating to the late 19th century. The EPNS fittings retain a beautifully aged patina with expected surface wear.

SIZE
Approximately 10.2"H.

PROVENANCE
England, late Victorian period, circa 1891.

MAKER
Maker unidentified. British Registered Design No. 173045. EPNS fittings with impressed pseudo-hallmarks.

MATERIAL
Glazed ceramic with hand-applied decoration, gilt detailing and electro-plated nickel silver fittings.

STYLING SUGGESTIONS
An extraordinary addition to a collected kitchen, library, bar or breakfast room. Style it on a mahogany sideboard among antique silver and blue-and-white porcelain, use it traditionally for biscuits and sweets, or let its unusual coral and cobalt palette bring a wonderfully unexpected layer of color to an English country-inspired interior.