Wedgwood Jasperware Teapot

This magnificent Wedgwood Jasperware Teapot was recently acquired from the collection of a lifelong devotee. Dripping with graceful botanic ornamentation adorning the crisp and angular lid as well as the shapely spout, the rotund body of the handsome pot is embellished with grand vignettes highlighting classical figures in creamy, delicate relief floating gracefully across a background of Wedgwood's signature blue. The soft matte finish of the jasperware gives the surface a velvety depth, bringing brilliant contrast to the crisp white dimension of the applied motif. Perfected in the 1770s following years of arduous experimentation to echo a cameo-like effect, jasperware became Josiah Wedgwood’s signature triumph—an unglazed, satin-matte stoneware body stained throughout with metallic oxides to achieve a brilliant range of hues. Inspired by the rediscovery of Pompeii and Europe's appetite for neoclassical design, Wedgwood adorned his creations with relief figures modeled after ancient themes. By the 19th century, jasperware had become synonymous with cultivated taste, as it remains so today. Elevated by a petite pedestal to showcase the statuesque silhouette to best advantage, this beautiful teapot highlights all the most desirable hallmarks of classic Wedgwood and promises to make an exciting addition to your collection. Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good condition. Measures 9" from spout to handle x 5.5"H. Learn More About Jasperware A type of fine-grained, unglazed stoneware introduced by the English potter Josiah Wedgwood in 1775, Jasperware derives its name from the fact that it resembles the natural stone jasper in its hardness. Jasper is white in its natural state and is stained with metallic oxide coloring agents. The most common shade is pale blue, but dark blue, lilac, sage green, black, and yellow are also used. Decorations, typically Neoclassical in style and usually white, are made in separate molds and applied to the body of the piece. Objects made of jasper included not only biscuit barrels, but also vases, plaques, cameos, furniture mounts, and portrait medallions.