These 2 matching but alternating angle handle decanters would have been part of a beautiful 19th century French cabaret that would have included matching cups or cordials for liqueur, and very likely a matching tray. They might well have had stoppers, though the form you see with lily-fluted wide mouth is also shown in the Victorian era catalogue without stopper. They come to us in the 21st century without cups, cordials or tray, and go to table as 9" tall (give or take) "carafon", or the demi-carafe decanters that the French bring to table for personal service of water or wine at each place setting. You might choose to use them as vases for your buds at table or on a mantel. But they beg to be used for wine or water. Aren't they pretty!
Very good to excellent as they stand, no chips or cracks. Hand made (mouth blown) and affixed with clear glass handles that have been gilded and have lost much of the gilding (see images). Quatrefoil body is unique on the pair and is a lovely form for old glass. One is slightly taller than the other, as is often true of hand made items. Beautiful old opaline glass.
