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Pair Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Griffins England Circa 1865

$7,400List Priceper set

About the Item

These black basalt griffins exemplify Wedgwood's exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality. They were made circa 1865 using an 18th-century Wedgwood design. The griffin is a mythical creature with the muscular body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle. It symbolizes strength and protection. These griffins were displayed at the Josiah Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition of 1980, showcasing their remarkable design and craftsmanship. One of the griffins has a paper label that indicates its presence in the exhibition. The Jubilee Exhibition featured a diverse range of Wedgwood products, particularly emphasizing early designs by Josiah Wedgwood, such as this pair of griffins. The griffins are masterpieces of neoclassical craftsmanship and artistry. Adorned with a laurel leaf garland around their necks, and a chest medallion depicting Hercules wrestling the Nemean Lion they display a smooth, deep black finish. Their surfaces are polished to a subtle sheen, giving them a buttery, lustrous quality. Notably, they feature candlestick nozzles mounted atop their heads, supported by their wings, adding a touch of whimsy and charm. Provenance and Marks: One has a paper label for the Josiah Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition 1980, and the other has the Wedgwood impressed mark of the period (see images). Dimensions: 13.5" tall x 6.5" long x 3.5" wide Condition: Excellent Price: $7,400 Reference: The griffins are illustrated in "WEDGWOOD," volume I, by Robin Reilly, plate 680. For an image of the Hercules medallion, refer to D. Edwards' "Black Basalt Wedgwood and Contemporary Manufacturers," Figure 50 on page 65. Background of Wedgwood black basalt: In the mid-18th century, Josiah Wedgwood created black stoneware, which he named "Black Basalt," as it resembled Egyptian basalt stone. Wedgwood intended black basalt to evoke the dignity and timelessness of classical antiquity, similar to bronze. In 1774, Josiah Wedgwood wrote this praise of black basalt: "The Black is sterling & will last for ever." In 1769, Wedgwood opened his new factory at Etruria and began production of black basalt. A Wedgwood Commonplace Book of 1789 records the recipe for "Black" as composed of: "20 Blue ball clay 5 calcined carr 1.5 calcined manganese These to be mixed by measure in the slip." Black Basalt is the ultimate expression of neo-classicism. Background of The Josiah Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition: The Wedgwood Jubilee Exhibition, held in 1980, was a significant event celebrating the 250th anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood's birth (1730–1795), one of the most famous and influential figures in British ceramic history. This exhibition highlighted his contributions to the world of ceramics and his lasting influence on design, craftsmanship, and industry. Josiah Wedgwood, founder of the Wedgwood company in 1759, was known for innovations like black basalt, jasperware, and Queen's ware, as well as for pioneering mass production techniques that revolutionized the pottery industry. The jubilee featured key works, including classic neoclassical-inspired designs and collaborations with prominent artists. The exhibition also aimed to draw attention to Wedgwood's role in social change. He was a known abolitionist and advocate for workers' rights.

Creator:
Josiah Wedgwood (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)Width: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Depth: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Materials and Techniques:
Stoneware,Molded
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1865
Condition:
Seller Location:
Katonah, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: SKU000011051stDibs: LU866541981612

Shop All Josiah Wedgwood

Josiah Wedgwood

Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops.

Wedgwood 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 antique Wedgwood dinnerware pieces and other items feature three or more colors. The company is also known for its black stoneware, Black Basalt, which imitates the color and shapes of Etruscan vases.

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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