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

About the Item

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 elongated ovoid form that gracefully tapers to a fluted pedestal base. Its surface is smooth and unadorned, except for a delicate band of low-relief ornamentation encircling the shoulder.  The elegantly curved handles, extending from the shoulder with gentle scrolls, frame the vessel with a sense of sculptural restraint. The domed lid, topped with a spherical finial, completes the silhouette. With a deep, velvety finish, the matte black basalt body emphasizes the purity of its shape. This jar exemplifies neoclassical refinement, where proportion and form take precedence over ornamentation. It reflects the ideals of balance, symmetry, and timeless elegance that define Wedgwood and Bentley's finest work.  Marks: The jar has the rare Wedgwood & Bentley "Etruria" lozenge mark, which was used from 1769 to 1780 (see image). Dimensions: 14.25" tall x 6.5" diameter Condition: Excellent Price: $5,300 Background of Wedgwood & Bentley: Josiah Wedgwood and Thomas Bentley, a savvy businessman, formed the partnership Wedgwood & Bentley in 1769. This collaboration marked a transformative period in English ceramics, driven by innovation, quality, and refined aesthetics. One of their most celebrated achievements was the production of black basalt, a fine-grained stoneware developed by Wedgwood one year before in 1768. The material was prized for its rich, matte black surface, which provided an ideal canvas for intricate designs, including relief decoration and finely engraved patterns. Black basalt was inspired by the classical forms and deep hues of Etruscan pottery, an essential influence during England's 18th-century Neoclassical revival. The partnership focused on producing elegant and artistic wares, including vases, busts, and decorative objects, often modeled on ancient Etruscan, Greek, and Roman motifs. Black basalt was immediately popular. In 1774, Josiah Wedgwood wrote this praise of black basalt: "The Black is sterling & will last for ever."
  • Creator:
    Wedgwood & Bentley (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.25 in (36.2 cm)Diameter: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)
  • Style:
    Neoclassical (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1775
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Katonah, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: SKU000011761stDibs: LU866543366502

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