Victoria Ironstone - Carafe (2) - Imari - Iron Earth, English Terracotta - Pair of pitchers « Hydra Jug »

A superb pair of octagonal antique pitchers from the Victorian era (19th century) in ironstone (hard ironstone), commonly called “Hydra Jugs” due to the distinctive shape of their handle sculpted to depict a serpent or hybrid chimera.
These pitchers feature a magnificent Imari-inspired decoration, very rich in color and detail:

Intense cobalt blue ground enhanced with gilded foliage.
Polychrome cartouches hand-painted depicting traditional Asian landscapes and pavilions as well as blooming peonies.
A sculpted handle painted in brick red and flecked with green, forming the body of the serpent/sea monster that coils around the neck of the pitcher.
Interior glaze slightly celadon / pale aqua-green in origin.
Each pitcher bears under its octagonal base a blue-stamped mark under glaze featuring a royal coat of arms framed by the lion and the unicorn with the inscription "VICTORIA - IRONSTONE".
The whole is in very good condition for 19th-century Victorian pieces:
Colors well preserved and gilding still visible.
No major cracks visible.
Slight normal wear (notably light rubbing on the edges and patina under the base).
Please refer to the detailed photos which are an integral part of the description.