This is an early-to-mid 19th-century antique ironstone soup tureen, complete with its original matching lid and porcelain ladle. This impressive rectangular centerpiece features a wonderfully substantial, weighty feel in hand and a brilliant white, glassy glaze.
The body is decorated with delicate wildflower transfers in pink, yellow, and blue, accented by elegant gold gilt trim. The sides feature striking, intricately molded classical handles styled as lion head masks with stylized features that give them a unique, regal architectural appearance.
The underside features the hand-painted gold decorator/pattern numbers "2230" over "13", as well as a faint, authentic incised/impressed factory mold mark (looks like a "6" or "C") stamped directly into the paste before firing. This piece is of fine Continental European origin (likely Germany or Austria) and beautifully captures a timeless farmhouse, cottagecore, or traditional aesthetic.
### Included in Set:
1. **Large Tureen Bowl:** Features double molded lion head handles and gold gilt accents.
2. **Matching Lid:** Formed with an elegant scrolled acanthus leaf handle and a cutout slot for the ladle.
3. **Matching Ladle:** Rare original curved-handle ladle in matching glaze.
### Dimensions & Weight:
* **Total Length:** Approx. 13 inches (measured handle-to-handle)
* **Bowl Length:** Approx. 9 inches (excluding handles)
* **Width:** Approx. 7 inches
* **Feel:** Heavy, thick, authentic antique ironstone weight.
### Condition Report:
This antique set is in beautiful, display-ready condition with vibrant floral details and bright gold trim.
* **Flaws:** There is a small, clean chip on the top outer rim edge of the lid (clearly shown in the final close-up photo). It does not affect the structural integrity or fit of the lid.
* **General Wear:** No other cracks, major chips, or repairs to the bowl or ladle. Shows minor shelf wear on the unglazed foot rim and very light glaze/gilt wear consistent with an authentic 19th-century piece.