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Pink Porcelain 'Nautilus' Dessert Service by Wedgwood for John Mortlock, 1880s
About the Item
Antique Victorian Shell Shaped Dishes and Plates
Dating from 1884 this service would have been a bespoke order commissioned through John Mortlock’s upmarket Oxford Street store. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Mortlock’s was the most important china retailer in London. During this time they wielded a huge amount of power over many manufacturers, including Coalport, Minton and in this case Wedgwood.
I don’t think this service could be more elegant if it tried, with a silvered central monogram and pink lustre glaze on fine porcelain. Whoever commissioned these had oodles of taste. Just picture the dining table laden with sweets and desserts.
All the shapes are conchological and are based on real shells. The shapes were originally designed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1790s and there were early pearlware examples dating from the early 19th century, (Robin Reilly, Wedgwood Vol. II, Page 25 Fig 13 and 14. 1).
The service we are offering includes the following:
10 x ‘Pecten Japonicum’ scalloped-shaped dessert plates (10” x 9”).
2 x ‘T Tellina Radiata’ mussel-shaped serving bowls (11” x 7”).
2 x ‘R Pholas Eastatus’ ribbed mollusc-shaped serving dishes (11”x7”).
1 x ‘X Tellina Rosea’ serving bowl (12” x 8”).
3 x Small clam-shaped nut bowls (5”x5”).
(18 pieces in total)
They are in very good vintage condition throughout, we can’t find any cracks or chips and there is certainly nothing seriously wrong. There is some natural rubbing to the glaze from use as you would expect for their age.
- Creator:Josiah Wedgwood (Designer),Wedgwood (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 0.99 in (2.5 cm)Width: 10.01 in (25.4 cm)Depth: 9.01 in (22.86 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 18
- Style:Victorian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1884
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. They are in very good vintage condition throughout, we can’t find any cracks or chips and there is certainly nothing seriously wrong. There is some natural rubbing to the glaze from use as you would expect for their age.
- Seller Location:Bristol, GB
- Reference Number:
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.
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Abergavenny, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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