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

About the Item

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 bacchanalian boys in lively motion, a classical motif symbolizing liberation from societal order and the tension between chaos and control. The vases have a cylindrical form rising from a square-footed base. They echo neoclassical architecture with elegant scroll handles, a grooved finial, and vertical fluting around the shoulder. The sculptural modeling is a hallmark of Wedgwood & Bentley’s finest black basalt work. Marks: Each vase is marked “WEDGWOOD & BENTLEY ETRURIA,” used between 1769 and 1780. Dimensions: 11.5" tall x 5.25" across the handles x 3.25" square base Condition: Excellent, with very, very minor chips along the baseline of one vase Price: $6,800 Background of Wedgwood Black Basalt: Black basalt is a dense, fine-textured stoneware developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1760s using clay, manganese, and carr (a slurry of iron oxide). Inspired by ancient Egyptian black pottery and natural basalt stone, Wedgwood’s material quickly gained prestige for its classical beauty and durability. Background of Wedgwood & Bentley: Founded in 1767, the partnership between Josiah Wedgwood and Liverpool merchant Thomas Bentley combined innovative ceramic techniques with refined classical taste. Their factory at Etruria in Staffordshire began producing black basalt in 1769, quickly becoming the leading name in neoclassical ornamental ceramics admired by aristocratic patrons. Key Features: • Pair of antique black basalt vases by Wedgwood & Bentley • Made circa 1775 during the peak of neoclassical fashion • Deep relief frieze of bacchanalian boys • Scroll handles and fluted architectural elements • Marked “WEDGWOOD & BENTLEY ETRURIA” (1769–1780) • Superb example of 18th-century English neoclassical design

Creator:
Wedgwood & Bentley (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)Width: 5.25 in (13.34 cm)Depth: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Neoclassical (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Stoneware,Molded
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1775
Condition:
Seller Location:
Katonah, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: SKU000010691stDibs: LU866541319492

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