Victorian Decor Appraisal

Victorian Style Cream Ceramic Bud Vase with Floral Decor and Gilded Handle

This item is a decorative ceramic bud vase or mini pitcher, likely made of porcelain or fine china, characterized by its elegant, slender form. The primary color is an off-white or cream, which serves as a canvas for the hand-painted floral motif. The upper portion tapers to a small spout, suggesting its use for holding a single flower or a small amount of liquid. A prominent feature is the ornate, possibly gilded, handle that has a metallic sheen, intricately detailed with what appears to be a floral or scrolled design, adding a touch of classical elegance. The body of the vase is adorned with hand-painted roses in shades of purple and deep red/maroon, complemented by green foliage, indicating a botanical theme. The painting style appears to be somewhat impressionistic, with visible brushstrokes, suggesting individual craftsmanship rather than mass-produced decals. The lower part of the vase features a fluted or ribbed design, adding texture and visual interest, and it sits on a circular base. The rim of the spout and the top edge of the base are accented with a gold-colored band, showing some wear and rubbing, consistent with age and handling. This wear suggests either genuine gold luster that has faded or a gold-colored paint that has chipped. The base also displays some visible aging and minor imperfections. This type of item typically dates from the mid-20th century, likely between the 1940s and 1960s, a period when such decorative ceramic items were popular. The craftsmanship, particularly the detailed handle and hand-painted elements, points to a moderate to high quality of production. Given its small size, it was likely intended as a decorative accent piece for a vanity, shelf, or mantelpiece.