Pair Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Griffins England Circa 1865

View Similar Items

Wedgwood Framed Prince of Wales Black Basalt Portrait

Wedgwood Black Basalt Lions

Pair of Antique Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Jars England, Circa 1775

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Plato

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Homer

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Rousseau

Wedgwood Black Basalt Bust of Mercury

Wedgwood Black Basalt Hedgehog Bulb Planter

Wedgwood Black Basalt Sculpture of Hercules

Pair of Bacchantes in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1860.

Pair Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Vases England Late 18th Century Circa 1775

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 16

Pair Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Griffins England Circa 1865

About the Item

These black basalt griffins exemplify Wedgwood's exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality. They 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 that indicates its presence in the exhibition. The Jubilee Exhibition featured a diverse range of Wedgwood products, particularly emphasizing early designs by Josiah Wedgwood, such as this pair of griffins. The griffins are masterpieces of neoclassical craftsmanship and artistry. Adorned with a laurel leaf garland around their necks, and a chest medallion depicting Hercules wrestling the Nemean Lion they display a smooth, deep black finish. Their surfaces are polished to a subtle sheen, giving them a buttery, lustrous quality. Notably, they feature candlestick nozzles mounted atop their heads, supported by their wings, adding a touch of whimsy and charm. Provenance and Marks: One 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: 13.5" tall x 6.5" long x 3.5" wide Condition: Excellent Price: $7,400 Reference: The griffins are illustrated in "WEDGWOOD," volume I, by Robin Reilly, plate 680. For an image of the Hercules medallion, refer to D. Edwards' "Black Basalt Wedgwood and Contemporary Manufacturers," Figure 50 on page 65. 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 stone. 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." In 1769, Wedgwood opened his new factory at Etruria and began production of black basalt. A Wedgwood Commonplace Book of 1789 records the recipe for "Black" as composed of: "20 Blue ball clay 5 calcined carr 1.5 calcined manganese These to be mixed by measure in the slip." Black Basalt is the ultimate expression of neo-classicism. Background of The Josiah Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition: The Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition, held in 1980, was a significant event celebrating the 250th anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood's birth (1730–1795), one of the most famous and influential figures in British ceramic history. This exhibition highlighted his contributions to the world of ceramics and his lasting influence on design, craftsmanship, and industry. Josiah Wedgwood, founder of the Wedgwood company in 1759, was known for innovations like black basalt, jasperware, and Queen's ware, as well as for pioneering mass production techniques that revolutionized the pottery industry. The jubilee featured key works, including classic neoclassical-inspired designs and collaborations with prominent artists. The exhibition also aimed to draw attention to Wedgwood's role in social change. He was a known abolitionist and advocate for workers' rights.

Creator:
Josiah Wedgwood (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)Width: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Depth: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Materials and Techniques:
Stoneware,Molded
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1865
Condition:
Seller Location:
Katonah, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: SKU000011051stDibs: LU866541981612

Shop All Josiah Wedgwood

Josiah Wedgwood

Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops.

Wedgwood 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 company is also known for its black stoneware, Black Basalt, which imitates the color and shapes of Etruscan vases.

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.

Find antique Josiah Wedgwood pottery, dinner plates, serving pieces and other furnishings and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

More From This Seller

View All

Pair of Antique Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Jars England, Circa 1775

By Wedgwood & Bentley

Located in Katonah, NY

This pair of Wedgwood & Bentley black basalt urns, crafted at the renowned Etruria factory around 1775, exemplifies the refined simplicity of neoclassical design. The smooth, tapered...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Jars

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Antique Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Jars England, Circa 1775

$5,200 / set

Pair Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Vases England Late 18th Century Circa 1775

By Wedgwood & Bentley

Located in Katonah, NY

This exceptional pair of antique black basalt vases was made by Wedgwood & Bentley in the late 18th century, circa 1775. The vases are sculpted in deep solid relief with bacchanalia...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Urns

Materials

Stoneware

Pair Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Vases England Late 18th Century Circa 1775

$6,800 / set

18th Century Large Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Jar England Circa 1775

By Wedgwood & Bentley

Located in Katonah, NY

This impressive black basalt jar, crafted by Wedgwood and Bentley at the renowned Etruria factory, embodies the refined simplicity of the neoclassical style. The jar features an elon...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Jars

Materials

Stoneware

18th Century Large Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Jar England Circa 1775

$5,300

Pair Antique Minton Pottery Parrots Dark Brown Color England Circa 1890

By Minton

Located in Katonah, NY

This pair of pottery parrots was crafted by the renowned Minton Company in Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1890. These charming figures are inspired by the traditiona...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Pair Antique Minton Pottery Parrots Dark Brown Color England Circa 1890

$380 / set

Pair Wedgwood Creamware Dishes England Circa 1810

By Wedgwood

Located in Katonah, NY

Made by Wedgwood in England circa 1810, this pair of creamware dishes features a neoclassical border decorated with a band of green acanthus leaves separated by black darts. The bord...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Decorative Dishes and Vi...

Materials

Creamware

Pair Wedgwood Creamware Dishes England Circa 1810

$215 / set

Pair Antique Wedgwood Creamware Baskets and Stands England Circa 1840

By Wedgwood

Located in Katonah, NY

This pair of antique Wedgwood creamware baskets and stands was made in England circa 1840. The baskets and their stands feature an impressed basketweave pattern and arcaded borders. ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Country Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Creamware

Pair Antique Wedgwood Creamware Baskets and Stands England Circa 1840

$480 / set

Antique 1780s English Georgian Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Wedgwood Framed Prince of Wales Black Basalt Portrait

$1,361

Free Shipping

Wedgwood Black Basalt Lions

By Wedgwood

Located in New Orleans, LA

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...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Stoneware

Wedgwood Black Basalt Lions

$4,450 / set

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Plato

By Wedgwood

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

An antique Wedgwood black basalt bust of Plato. This Grand Tour sculpture is a very stylish depiction of the Athenian philosopher Plato (c.428-347 B.C.). He is one of the most impo...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Busts

Materials

Marble

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Plato

$4,105

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Homer

By Wedgwood

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

An antique Wedgwood black basalt bust of Homer. This Grand Tour style sculpture is a very stylish depiction of the scholar. This English bust depicts the legendary poet and author Homer who is presumed to have penned the two of ancient Greece’s most epic poems: the Iliad and the Odyssey. Scholars are uncertain whether or not Homer actually existed but if he in fact did exist, Homer would be regarded as one of the greatest literary artists of his time. At over 160 years old, this Homer bust...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Grand Tour Busts

Materials

Stone

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Homer

$4,526

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid

By Wedgwood

Located in New Orleans, LA

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...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid

$12,850

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Rousseau

By Wedgwood

Located in New Orleans, LA

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...

Category