Wedgwood Black Basalt Grecian Sphinx After a Model by John Cheere (1709-1787)

a beautifully modeled antique terra cotta sculpture after the bronze by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers (French, 1788-1856) depicting Louis II of Bourbon, Prince of Condé (1621-1686), kn...

Grand Tour Souviner / patinated bronze sculpture of Greek Tragedian (playwright) Sophocles (479 BC-406 BC).

A beatifully 19th Century hand-carved Brienz black forest hall stand with a mama bear and cub, this naturalistically carved hall stand depicts a standing moma bear next to a tree, w...

RARE / LARGE SCALE Portuguese Majolica / Palissy ware lobster on cabbage by artist / ceramist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (Portugal, 1846-1905) large shallow bowl with single lobster ...

a handsome 25 piece group of feather edge creamware / pearlware with impressed Wedgwood mark, group includes a tureen with lid, several oval platters, and several sizes of plates. En...

a pair of large scale, well carved stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions, these are carved out of stone and are traditional Chinese architectural ornaments, China, circa 1920

These stately and imposing lions each recline on a rectangular base, their splendidly carved faces and paws rendered in fine detail, their tails wrapped around their haunches. Caught in repose, the lions wear wise, almost pensive expressions, but Wedgwood's masterful rendering of their musculature hints at the power and ferocity of these magnificent creatures. This work is executed in black basalt...

These stunning Wedgwood black basalt sphinxes are a true masterpiece of Wedgwood craftsmanship and artistry. These mythical creatures are a sight to behold with their majestic woman's head, mighty lion's body, and elegant wings. Each sphinx sits atop a raised rectangular base, adorned with a geometric design of circles and fleur-de-lis. Each sphinx features a 'lotus flower' nozzle to hold candles, adding a touch of whimsy and charm. Made in the eighteenth century, circa 1785, these sphinxes showcase Wedgwood's exceptional attention to detail and dedication to quality. The underside of each sphinx is marked with an impressed "Wedgwood" signature in lowercase letters. With a height of 10.2", a depth of 7", and a width of 3.6", these sphinxes are truly imposing in size and presence. In excellent condition, this pair is a rare and highly coveted find for collectors of Wedgwood black basalt. Reference: "The Dictionary of Wedgwood" R Reilly and G Savage pg 323. Dimensions: 10.2" height x 7" deep x 3.6" wide Condition: Excellent with tiny edge chips invisibly restored Price: $6,600 Background of Wedgwood black basalt: In the mid-18th century, Josiah Wedgwood created black stoneware, which he named "Black Basalt," as it resembled Egyptian basalt...

Wedgwood began crafting pastille burners in the early nineteenth century, and this stunning dolphin burner is a gorgeous example of his innovative desi...

A black basalt bulb pot molded as a hedgehog, made by Wedgwood in the middle of the 19th century. Finely molded as a lively little hedgehog, this unique object would have been use...

An important homage to love, this large black basalt figure is an impressive example of Wedgwood's artistry and imagination. Cupid, the ancient Roman god of love, is standing amongst billowing clouds with a pair of doves at his feet. Gazing towards earth with one hand shielding his eyes, the other hand holds an arrow. His bow and quiver rest at his side, ready to take aim. "CUPID" is etched into the base. Considered a crowning achievement of Wedgwood, black basalt was created by blending manganese with an iron-oxide rich slurry procured from coal mines called carr. In addition to the impressive color, this combination also provided additional strength and solidity. While it initially proved challenging to fire because of its weight, that same characteristic was advantageous in creating ornaments, lending stability to library...

One of history’s greatest thinkers, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, is the subject of this black basalt figure by Wedgwood. The individual features and personality of the celebrated philosoph...