Beautiful Victorian Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Twin Handled Mask Vase c.1880

A very pretty 19th century Royal Crown Derby vase, of squat circular form with wide belly, set on a pedestal foot and with narrow tapering neck. A pair of open mouthed gilded masks sit either side, with arching handles rising from their heads and terminating with small scrolls just below the rim. A busy mix of exotic styles make it a very ornate piece for display. The main background is Japanese inspired with red blossom branches and peonies, printed over some underglaze blue leaves, then over decorated by hand with gilding and green enamel. To each side are large teadrop shaped panels of mazarine blue, covered with intricately branched gilt shrubs or trees. Reserving amongst the blue are small green enamel leaves and two pairs of glorious birds in a literal rainbow array of bright enamels: kingfisher blue, bright purple, gold, and red. They really pop out from the blue and gold, almost glowing, and clearly are the stars of the show. The neck and foot are decorated in cloisonne style with hints of red enamel amongst the blue and gold and the fancy headresses of the side masks are painted with overlapping gilt scales. Blue printed factory mark to the underside, c.1877-1890.