Vase

The momentous excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the 18th century burgeoned an immense taste for Greek, Roman and Etruscan pottery in England and the Continent. Josiah Wedgwood, a potter, industrialist and abolitionist from Staffordshire, shrewdly witnessed the current fashions and began producing works that were evocative of the excavated ancient vessels and artifacts. Prior to the creation of his renowned Jasperware, Wedgwood explored “basalt”. “Basalt” is produced by adding mineral-rich slurries of manganese and iron to a clay body. These inky, matte vessels are timeless and highly collectible objects have great cultural significance to the history of English design and industry.

Year: c. 1850

Materials: Black basalt

Dimensions: W 2 3/4 x H 6 1/4 in