Pair of Wedgwood Black Basalt Candlesticks Modeled as Sphinxes

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...

WHY WE LOVE THEM: They're majestic! We are pleased to offer this pair of large antique Luneville lions made in France circa 1800. These exceptional lio...

This special edition Wedgwood ale jug is decorated in Egyptian Revival style, showing a sphinx to either side of a firebird in flight. The material is Wedwood's Black Basalt stonewar...

We are thrilled to offer this exceptional pair of creamware lions, each elegantly resting on a tall base adorned with sumptuous swags of dark blue "curtains" with gleaming yellow tassels and trim. Crafted in France, these figures are unparalleled and truly a masterpiece of 18th-century creamware. They date back to the late 18th century, circa 1790. Each lion's head and mane is exquisitely painted with vibrant yellow and lined in striking midnight brown. Their mouths are painted in delicate pink, adding an extra touch of charm. Not only are these lions a sight to behold, but they will also bring a touch of humor to your home. Their jovial expressions make it impossible not to laugh along with them. Leisurely resting on cushions draped with rich fabric and tassels, these friendly lions exude a very French attitude, seamlessly blending formality and friendliness. Placed on a mantel, they would undoubtedly be the focal point of any room, commanding attention, and admiration from all who see them. These lions are genuinely a one-of-a-kind treasure that is not to be missed. Dimensions: 6.5 inches tall x 6.75 inches long x 4.5 inches wide Condition: Excellent Price: $3200 Background of creamware Creamware is the name given to a type of earthenware pottery initially made from white clays from Dorset and Devonshire combined with an amount of calcined flint. Creamware was first produced in England sometime before 1740. Foremost of the pioneers of creamware in the Staffordshire Potteries was Thomas Whieldon. The young Josiah Wedgwood partnered with Thomas Whieldon from 1754-1759. When Wedgwood left to set up his own business, he immediately directed his efforts to developing creamware. Around the same time, in the mid-18th century, French potters developed their creamware known in France as "Faience Fine...

WHY WE LOVE IT: One of our absolute favorites! A pair of 18th-century creamware flower holders complete with stands and covers made in England by Neale & Co. was one of the finest 18...

Made by Wedgwood in England circa 1830, this group of three oval dishes is lovely creamware with a simple, elegant design. Creamware is cream-colored, refined earthenware. It was cre...

Black basalt bust of George Stephenson, (1781-1848), British railway engineer, considered the father of the modern railway builder of the famous Roc...

Perhaps the most complex work in black basalt undertaken on any scale by Wedgwood, the Bacchantes, are adapted from sculptures by Clodion. A large and impressive pair, ful of vigour ...

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...

One of the iconic early wedgwood pieces, the pair of ewers Sacred to Neptune & Sacred to Bacchus was designed by Flaxman in the 1780s for Josiah Wedgwood. They have remained popular ...

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...