Antique Ceramic Soap Dish with Lid - 19th Century - Gilt and Floral Decoration

White ceramic container with a lid, manufactured in the late 19th century. This is a functional vanity piece, originally designed for soap storage, characteristic of European bathroom ware production from the era.

Object History: These types of containers were essential components of Victorian washstand sets, prior to the widespread availability of indoor plumbing. The rectangular design with rounded edges and a top handle is typical of the transition between Neoclassicism and late 19th-century functional style.

Details and Condition:
- Period: 19th Century (circa 1880-1899).
- Technique: Molded ceramic with transfer decoration and gilt trim.
- Dimensions: Height 9 cm (3.54 inches), Length 14 cm (5.51 inches), Width 11.5 cm (4.53 inches).
- Weight: 440 g (0.97 lb).
- Material: Glazed ceramic.
- Condition: Significant wear is observed on the gilt edges and the central decorative motif on the lid. Natural crazing is present in the glaze due to the material's aging. No structural cracks or restorations are noted.

Value: Of interest to collectors of vanity ceramics or for use in interior restoration projects with historical aesthetics.