A Pair of Wedgwood Black Basalt Sphinxes
View Similar Items
A Pair of Wedgwood Black Basalt Sphinxes
About the Item
- Creator:Wedgwood (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Width: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c1850
- Condition:Excellent: with small defects invisibly repaired.
- Seller Location:Katonah, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: 1208088665361
Wedgwood
Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by Staffordshire potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95). 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 pieces use 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.
- Pair Wedgwood Egyptian Revival Black Basalt Sphinxes Made 18th Century, EnglandBy WedgwoodLocated in Katonah, NYThese 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...Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Egyptian Revival Animal Sculptures
MaterialsStoneware
- Wedgwood Egyptian Jug Decorated in Black Basalt and Rosso AnticoBy WedgwoodLocated in Katonah, NYThis 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...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Egyptian Revival Pitchers
MaterialsStoneware
- Large Wedgwood Creamware Platter England Circa 1820By WedgwoodLocated in Katonah, NYThis is a large Wedgwood creamware platter with a beautiful band of pink daisies with green leaves. The pink and green complement each other perfectly. It's a happy pattern! The plat...Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Platters and Serveware
MaterialsCreamware
- Three Wedgwood Creamware Oval Dishes England Circa 1830By WedgwoodLocated in Katonah, NYMade 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...Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Decorative Dishes and Vi...
MaterialsCreamware
- Wedgwood Drabware Sugar Bowl and Stand England, circa 1825By WedgwoodLocated in Katonah, NYWedgwood made this drabware sugar bowl and stand in Staffordshire, England, in the first quarter of the 19th century, circa 1825. The design is simple and elegant, and the decoratio...Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Decorative Bowls
MaterialsEarthenware
- Wedgwood Slip Decorated Creamware Vase Made England Circa 1810By WedgwoodLocated in Katonah, NYThis early 19th century Wedgwood slip decorated vase has an elegant design. It is decorated with ochre-colored slip on the outside and features unpainted white grooved columns that r...Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Vases
MaterialsPearlware
- Wedgwood Black Basalt LionsBy WedgwoodLocated in New Orleans, LAThese 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...Category
Antique 19th Century English Animal Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain, Stoneware
$4,450 / set - Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of CupidBy WedgwoodLocated in New Orleans, LAAn 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...Category
Antique 19th Century English Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCeramic, Stoneware
- Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of RousseauBy WedgwoodLocated in New Orleans, LAOne 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...Category
Antique 19th Century English Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCeramic, Stoneware
- Pair of Bacchantes in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1860.By WedgwoodLocated in Melbourne, VictoriaPerhaps 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 ...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Pottery
MaterialsStoneware
- A Wedgwood Black Basalt Library Bust of CiceroBy WedgwoodLocated in London, GBA Wedgwood Black Basalt Library Bust of Cicero (106–43 BC) Roman Orator and Statesman Impressed ‘Wedgwood’ and ‘Cicero’ to the reverse England Circa 1780 – 1795 Size: 29cm high - ...Category
Antique Late 18th Century British Busts
MaterialsTerracotta
- Wedgwood Black Basalt Bust of George StephensonBy WedgwoodLocated in Montreal, QCBlack basalt bust of George Stephenson, (1781-1848), British railway engineer, considered the father of the modern railway builder of the famous Roc...Category
Early 20th Century English Ceramics
MaterialsCeramic
$780 Sale Price20% Off