Antique English Cobalt & Gilt Double-Handled Pastoral Vases | Matching Pair

A striking matching pair of antique English pottery vases combining soft ivory-yellow grounds, deep cobalt blue, gilt ornament and romantic pastoral imagery.

Each tall, baluster-form vase is fitted with two scrolling handles and an ornate molded rim, with rich cobalt blue concentrated along the neck and base before fading into the pale body. Oval pictorial medallions depict pastoral figures in country settings, while delicate floral decoration and gilt accents extend across the surrounding surface.

The molded bases, rims and handles add another layer of ornament, giving the pair the elaborate character associated with late Victorian and Edwardian decorative pottery. Both pieces retain period factory markings on the underside, including ENGLAND, along with additional impressed, printed and hand-applied factory/decorator marks. Because the principal maker’s mark is partially worn, the manufacturer has not been definitively attributed.

Especially desirable as a surviving matched pair, these were made for symmetry—the sort of pieces intended to flank a mantel, mirror or sideboard.

Key Features & Details

• Matching pair of antique English pottery vases
• Believed late 19th to early 20th century
• Marked ENGLAND on the underside
• Additional factory and decorator markings
• Ivory-yellow ground with graduated cobalt blue
• Oval pastoral transfer-decorated scenes
• Double scrolling handles
• Ornate molded rims and bases
• Gilt floral and scroll accents
• Glazed earthenware
• Approx. 9” H
• Approx. 6 1/2” W handle to handle
• Approx. 4” opening diameter
• Sold as a pair

Styling & Display

These are natural mantel pieces. Their symmetry makes them particularly effective flanking a painting, portrait or mirror, while the cobalt and aged yellow work beautifully with dark wood, gilt frames, old books and collected English ceramics.

Condition

Very good antique condition for age. No chips, cracks or significant structural damage observed. Both vases exhibit fine overall crazing consistent with age, along with scattered surface marks, variations in the glaze and areas of wear or loss to the gilt decoration. The undersides show expected age and wear. Please review all photographs carefully as part of the condition description.