Antique French Green Striped Ironstone Pyrogene

A nice example of an antique French ironstone match striker - or pyrogene in French, with elegant green and gold stripes.

A gorgeous and tactile home accessory, these were originally designed to be used in cafes or bars, where it would sit upon a bar top filled up with matches in its centre, which could then be struck alight on the outside ridges. The match strike section is tinged pink from the matches struck upon it over the years. 

As a utilitarian piece, this has suffered some wear over the years. Most notably, there are some stained cracks to the inside. But these don't penetrate through and it is nonetheless a solid and heavyweight piece still. There is also wear to the green and gold transferware decoration and a firing fault on the bottom rim, where there is a small dent in the form of this piece, although this was glazed over when it was produced. 

Height, 6.7cm; Diameter, 8.6cm across base