Pair Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Griffins Flank a Wedgwood Black Basalt Jar

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Pair Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Griffins Flank a Wedgwood Black Basalt Jar

About the Item

This fabulous set of early Wedgwood black basalt is a masterpiece of neoclassical craftsmanship and artistry. The jar and the pair of black basalt griffins are all in excellent condition. The black basalt vase shown here was made by Wedgwood and Bentley at the Wedgwood factory "Etruria" circa 1775. The design features scrolled foliate handles terminating in satyr masks and an engine-turned cover. The neck and body both have a central band of classical figures framed by flowers and scrolling vines. The vase is set atop a square plinth with a band of neoclassical decoration. The griffins were made circa 1865 using an 18th-century Wedgwood design. The griffin is a mythical creature with the muscular body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle. It symbolizes strength and protection. These griffins were displayed at the Josiah Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition of 1980*, showcasing their remarkable design and craftsmanship (one of the griffins has a paper label indicating its presence in the exhibition). They are adorned with a laurel leaf garland around their necks and a chest medallion depicting Hercules wrestling the Nemean Lion. Their surfaces are polished to a subtle sheen, giving them a buttery, lustrous, deep black finish. Notably, the griffins feature candlestick nozzles mounted atop their heads, supported by their wings, adding a touch of whimsy and charm. Provenance and Marks: The jar has the Wedgwood and Bentley "Etruria" lozenge mark (see image). One griffin has a paper label for the Josiah Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition 1980, and the other has the Wedgwood impressed mark of the period (see images). Dimensions: The vase measures 14.25" tall x 6" in diameter, and the griffins measure 13.5" tall x 6.5" long x 3.5" wide. Condition: All three are in excellent condition Price: $13,800 Reference: The griffins are illustrated in "WEDGWOOD," volume I, by Robin Reilly, plate 680. For an image of the Hercules medallion on the chest of each griffin, refer to D. Edwards' "Black Basalt Wedgwood and Contemporary Manufacturers," Figure 50 on page 65. *Background of The Josiah Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition: The Jubilee Exhibition, held in 1980, featured a range of Wedgwood products, particularly emphasizing early designs by Josiah Wedgwood, such as this pair of griffins. The Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition was a significant event celebrating the 250th anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood's (1730–1795) birth, one of the most famous and influential figures in British ceramic history. Josiah Wedgwood, who founded the Wedgwood company in 1759, was known for innovations such as black basalt, jasperware, and Queen's ware. The exhibition also aimed to draw attention to Wedgwood's role in social change. He was a known abolitionist and advocate for workers' rights." Background of Wedgwood black basalt: Wedgwood's black basalt is the ultimate expression of neo-classicism. In the mid-18th century, Josiah Wedgwood created black stoneware, which he named "Black Basalt " because it resembled Egyptian basalt stone. In 1769, Wedgwood opened his new factory at Etruria and began production of black basalt. Wedgwood intended black basalt to evoke the dignity and timelessness of classical antiquity, similar to bronze. In 1774, Josiah Wedgwood wrote this praise of black basalt: "The Black is sterling & will last for ever."

Creator:
Wedgwood & Bentley (Maker),Wedgwood (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 14.25 in (36.2 cm)Width: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 3
Style:
Neoclassical (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Stoneware,Molded
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1775-1865
Condition:
Seller Location:
Katonah, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: SKU000011471stDibs: LU866542463382

Shop All Wedgwood

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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