Antique Coalport Ice Pail

Early Ice Pail, with the Original Lid, Finial and Porcelain Liner, with the interior knob handles, (VERY RARE to find the Original liner of this particular style) Circa 1800, and made by the prestigious Factory of Coalport Porcelains, of England.  This Ice Pail, while decorated and molded in England, after the famous 'Warwick Vase" ( a Roman antique owned by the Emperor Hadrian, discovered in 1770) is as Close the English had ever gotten to the Elegant and Sophisticated style of Flower painting and Gilding that was so common and typical of the French Courts and Sevres.  When at the Outbreak of the French Revolution, in 1795, many of the porcelain artist saw their clients carted off to the Guillotine and to their demise... so who was going to continue to buy and commission these elegant and frivolous pieces....So many of the artist grabbed their paints and brushes and headed to England in search of Work and New Clients, Many even took some of their Porcelain "blanks".   When this piece is lightly struck, it produces a sharp, clear bell-like tone.  There are Absolutely no Cracks, Repairs or Flaws of Any Kind.  The Color of the Ground, is that particular Nile Green, that was popular at Sevres just at the 1794-1795 date.  The floral painting is Superlative on Every Level.  The Delicate, Raised and Engraved Gilt work is typical of pieces that were destined and commissioned by Royal Collections.  The Robust Intertwined Handles, and the Raised Vines and Leafs around the Upper Rim are a tour-de force, and can be considered the highest level of accomplishment of the molders art, again, with such a complicated and delicate piece, one has to be reminded that it is in near Perfect Condition.  A Pair of Identical size and Coloration are housed at Windsor Castle, and a single, repaired example, slightly darker green, is on view at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.  A true status symbol.

Retails for $10,500      Malleries Price, $7,000  FIRM