Wedgwood

A black basalt vase competed in the 19th century and in the Portland vase silhouette with floral decoration often used by Wedgwood towards the latter part of his career. Josiah Wedgwood introduced into production a black stoneware body in 1768. The first trials for Wedgwood's new black body had begun by July 1766, even before the move to Etruria. By September 1767 his experiments were at an advanced stage, ready for production, and less than twelve months later black basalt wares were on the market. He called it ‘Black Basaltes'; we know it as black basalt. Made from reddish-brown clay which burned black in firing, this ceramic body was superior in its appearance to the local 'Egyptian Black' wares produced in the area prior to that date. It was originally designed as a smooth surface for holding decorative application with inspiration from classical “Etruscan” (Greek or Italian) vessels set across a number of private English collections, but the popularity of the style has meant a wide application of ornamental designs over the companies history,

A black basalt vase competed in the 19th century and in the Portland vase silhouette with floral decoration often used by Wedgwood towards the latter part of his career. Josiah Wedgwood introduced into production a black stoneware body in 1768. The first trials for Wedgwood's new black body had begun by July 1766, even before the move to Etruria. By September 1767 his experiments were at an advanced stage, ready for production, and less than twelve months later black basalt wares were on the market. He called it ‘Black Basaltes'; we know it as black basalt. Made from reddish-brown clay which burned black in firing, this ceramic body was superior in its appearance to the local 'Egyptian Black' wares produced in the area prior to that date. It was originally designed as a smooth surface for holding decorative application with inspiration from classical “Etruscan” (Greek or Italian) vessels set across a number of private English collections, but the popularity of the style has meant a wide application of ornamental designs over the companies history.

Drabware Wedgwood icirca early 19th century. Lidded sugar bowl with gadrooned body. There have been suggestions that Wedwood’s take of Egyptian motif first arose from the artefacts brought to the west by Napoleon’s campaign into the Middle East in the late 1700s. Provenance: Property of the Saint Louis Art Museum, Sold to benefit the acquisition fund.

Green Jasper Dip Tobacco Jar with cover and white bas-relief of the Dancing Hours, 1906. The design of the relief is one of Wedgwood’s best known and well loved, depicting the Horae (personifications of the four seasons and main points of time in the day in greek Mythology) dancing hand in hand across the surface. England, 1906, scrolled handles, applied white Dancing Hours in relief below a border of floral festoons, impressed McVitie and Price 1906 and factory mark, ht. 7 3/4 in.

Hedghog crocus pot from the celebrated English ceramic firm, modelled by Ernest Light and completed in black basalt in the early 20th century or possibly late 19th century in origin. Josiah Wedgwood introduced into production a black stoneware body in 1768. The first trials for Wedgwood's new black body had begun by July 1766, even before the move to Etruria. By September 1767 his experiments were at an advanced stage, ready for production, and less than twelve months later black basalt wares were on the market. He called it ‘Black Basaltes'; we know it as black basalt. Made from reddish-brown clay which burned black in firing, this ceramic body was superior in its appearance to the local 'Egyptian Black' wares produced in the area prior to that date.

Black Basalt Helmet Pitcher, England, late 18th century, attributed to Wedgwood, with Bacchanalian boys in relief above engine turnings, unmarked Late 18th century pitcher completed in black basalt and attributed to Wedgwood. The piece takes an elegantly classical ewer shape, with high rising spout and handle that descends to a curving ornamental base. Bacchanalian boys surround the body in relief above engine turnings.