Antique aged French ironstone tureen/soupiere dating from the last quarter of the 19th century - Unusual Violet/lavender colour way. Transfer ware pattern with violet mandalas and a deep floral border pattern. Elegant detailing on the top looped handle and on the side handles - there is a "blue hue" to the clear part of the glaze typical of these old French tureens. The Violet colour is strong and unfaded. The tureen has impressed numbers and letters on the base. Measurements-Width inc handles 11.5"/29cms  Height 8"/20cms  Condition - It is an antique piece and as such has expected wear - there is wear to the handles , crazing throughout - no chips to rims or lid -light tea staining in places - there is a hairline running approx 2"/5cms down from the rim - please see photo7. Please do check out the photos they are an important and integral part of the description. Any questions please do not hesitate to contact us~  We will be posting the item from France (Rest assurred the item will be extremely well packed/double boxed with professional packaging materials)