Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Vases

This elegant inkwell set by Wedgwood & Bentley is crafted of black basalt, one of Wedgwood’s finest inventions. The set is comprised of two canisters, both held within an intriguing double stand. One is designed to hold ink and features a top with slots for quills or pens, and the other is a powder Shaker with a shell-ornamented lid. Black basalt refers to the fine-grained stoneware that Josiah Wedgwood, inspired by the hard, natural stone known as Egyptian basalt...

A remarkable example of Josiah Wedgwood's legendary ceramic art, the importance and rarity of this urn vase simply cannot be overstated. Black basalt refers to the fine-grained stoneware developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1760s that was inspired by the hard, natural stone known as Egyptian basalt...

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...

This enchanting antique Wedgwood black basalt inkwell is crafted in the form of an ancient oil lamp. With a removable well and holes for storing pens ...

Wedgwood began crafting pastille burners in the early nineteenth century, and this stunning dolphin burner is a gorgeous example of his innovative desi...

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...

A fine, large vase in black basalt, decorated with an encaustic painted figure of a youth, taken from The Hamilton vase in the British Museum. The shape is taken from the Greek Hydria...

A fine, large vase in black basalt, decorated with an en grisaille painted illustration of Orpheus playing his lyre, with a stag sitting quietly by, listening to his playing - and perhaps singing, although his mouth is shown closed. Orpheus's talent on the lyre is one of the most celebrated aspects of his mythological character. In Greek mythology, Orpheus is renowned as a musician without equal, possessing a skillful mastery of the lyre, a stringed instrument similar to a small harp...

A fine, large vase in black basalt, decorated with an encaustic painted figure of a youth and an older man, taken from The Hamilton vase in the British Museum. It is unusual to find ...

Polished basalt, decorated with Victoria, Goddess of Victory, in her chariot; possibly after a Roman model such as the wall paintings at Herculaneum. T...

Decorated with a frieze of classical figures between a berried vine border and upright acanthus leaves. The neck similarly decorated with pendant trophies between upright handles.

A wedgwood black and gilt basalt covered Potpourri vase, circa 1870.