A most elegant pair of Napoleon III period decorative mantle ewers, exquisitely crafted from silver-plated metal with globe-shaped reservoirs of cranberry-coloured glass. These delightful mid-19th century jugs feature extremely ornate high handles, which almost defy gravity with their swirled acanthus leaf form and flower-basket crests. The finely chiselled and very decorative shaped spout of each ewer has been embellished with the form of a winged angel, at the base of which a cascading border of acanthus tops the dimpled glass reservoir. The base is equally ornate, with a matching acanthus ‘dish’ cupping the glass, leading down to a circular, finely chiselled pedestal supported by four feet. Decorative ewers such as these were often displayed on mantelpieces, flanking a fine piece of art or fine vase. They are in good, vintage condition, with some very minor age-related imperfections.