Antique Gien Iris sauce boat in ironstone, late 19th century.

Magnificent large antique sauceboat from the Faïencerie de Gien, Iris model, made of ironstone, dating from the late 19th century. Very beautiful decoration in shades of blue depicting irises and other flowers accompanied by small dragonflies, on an ivory background. The shape is particularly elegant with its scalloped rim, pedestal, and relief-moulded side handles. The stamp on the reverse bears the inscriptions "Gold Medals – Faïencerie de Gien – Honor Diplomas – Iris". This type of mark is characteristic of the older productions of the factory from the last quarter of the 19th century. Very good overall condition for its age: no chips and no cracks. Beautiful well-preserved antique patina, especially inside the sauceboat, as well as signs of use and a slight crazing of the glaze visible in the photos. Dimensions: Rim: 28 × 16 cm, height 3 cm. Sauceboat: 22.5 × 11.5 cm. Total height: 11 cm. Weight: 750 g.