Tea Canister, Crimson Jasper, Wedgwood, circa 1920

About the Item

Charming tea canister in the very rare crimson jasper dip. This example is particularly fine, and shows none of the usual problems that resulted in wedgwood abandoning this color after a short period. Exhibited: Wedgwood, Master Potter to the Universe, Roche Foundation, 2023. The Three Graces are a group of three female figures from Greek mythology who were considered to be the embodiment of charm, beauty, and grace. They were believed to be the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome and were known by the names of Aglaea, Euphrosyne, and Thalia. They were often depicted in ancient Greek art and literature as accompanying the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. They were also associated with the Muses, who were the goddesses of inspiration in literature, science, and the arts. The Dipping of Achilles is a scene from Greek mythology that refers to the moment when the hero Achilles was dipped into the river Styx by his mother, Thetis, in order to make him invulnerable. According to the myth, the only part of Achilles that was not touched by the water was his heel, which remained vulnerable. This vulnerability was later exploited by Paris, who killed Achilles by striking him in the heel with an arrow, during the Trojan War. The Roman god of peace was named Pax. She was the Roman goddess of peace, equivalent to the Greek goddess Eirene. She was often depicted as a young woman holding an olive branch and cornucopia, symbols of peace and plenty. She was also sometimes depicted with a caduceus, a symbol of commerce and trade, reflecting the idea that peace brought economic prosperity. Pax was a relatively minor goddess, but she had her own temple on the Roman Forum, where she was honored as the guardian of peace. Her festival, the Pax Augusta, was celebrated every year on January 3rd, and was believed to have been established by Augustus, the first Roman emperor, to commemorate his military victories and the establishment of the Pax Romana (the Roman peace). The Sacrifice to Peace, The Three Graces and the Dipping of Achilles are popular motifs in ancient Greek art, such as vases, frescoes, and statues. They were also often depicted in Roman art, which was heavily influenced by Greek art. They remained popular designs for Wedgwood neoclassical pieces and are still used today.

Creator:

Wedgwood (Manufacturer)

Dimensions:

Height: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Diameter: 3 in (7.62 cm)

Style:

Neoclassical (In the Style Of)

Materials and Techniques:

Stoneware,Turned

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

Early 20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1920

Condition:

Seller Location:

Melbourne, AU

Reference Number:

Seller: 23111stDibs: LU3151332198882

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Wedgwood

Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95) in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops. The company is famed for its Jasperware — molded neoclassical stoneware vases, plates and other pieces inspired by ancient cameo glass, featuring white figures, scenes and decorative elements set in relief on a matte-colored background. The best-known background hue is light blue, but Wedgwood’s iconic silhouettes also appear on green, lilac, yellow, black and even white grounds. Some antique Wedgwood dinnerware pieces and other items feature three or more colors.

The Wedgwood firm first came to prominence for its tableware, which quickly gained favor in aristocratic households throughout Britain and Europe. In 1765, Wedgwood was commissioned to create a cream-colored earthenware service for Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. The queen was so thrilled with her new china that Wedgwood was given permission to call himself “Potter to Her Majesty,” and the decorative style became known as Queen’s Ware.

Not to be outdone, Catherine the Great of Russia commissioned her own set of Wedgwood china in 1773. Nearly 200 years later, the firm created a 1,200-piece service for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In recent years, leading designers including Jasper Conran and Vera Wang have collaborated with Wedgwood — in the tradition of such distinguished 18th-century artists such as the painter George Stubbs and metalsmith Matthew Boulton.

From plates and other dinnerware to decorative items like urns, cachepots and candlesticks, Wedgwood designs lend a traditional air to Anglophile interiors. And even if you have to make your own tea, you may find it comforting to sip it from a delicate cup that was manufactured in the same Stoke-on-Trent kiln that produced Her Majesty’s tea service. Be sure to keep your pinky raised.

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