Antique Victorian hand-painted Ironstone fruit cooler English, mid 19th Century
This item I had appraised and the appraiser verified that this is a fruit cooler and that the pierced lid leaves no question that that is what this Ironstone piece would have been used for: ice would have been placed in the larger receptacle, the insert would have been placed with additional ice and fruit placed on top of that. As the ice melted, it would have drained into the lower receptacle. Based on the photos and information provided this is: An antique Victorian hand-painted Ironstone fruit cooler English, mid 19th Century Of circular section, the conical vessel with Imari style palette and single rattan-wrapped swing handle with a pierced dished insert. 10 inches high, 10 inches diameter CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition.