Montgolfier Balloon Appraisal

Montgolfier Style Hot Air Balloon Porcelain Decanter

A decorative ceramic or porcelain decanter modeled after a vintage Montgolfier-style hot air balloon. The piece features a vibrant cobalt blue glaze as its primary color, accented with hand-painted gold, red, and white detailing. The main body of the balloon is spherical with raised vertical and horizontal gold-tone ribs, housing three circular gold medallions. Above the center line is a decorative red and white undulating 'scalloped' border. The top section acts as a stopper or lid with a small gold finial, featuring a small circular vent hole. The balloon rests on a stout blue neck that transitions into a square, pedestal-style base. The front face of the base displays a black panel with the word 'Paris' in stylized blue script, accompanied by white firework graphics and a red rendering of the Eiffel Tower. The overall craftsmanship suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century souvenir or commemorative piece. Condition appears generally good with some light surface wear, minor loss to the gold leaf/paint on the medallions and base edges, and small red paint flecks visible on the lower blue quadrant of the balloon. No major cracks are visible, though the glaze shows typical high-gloss reflections.