Tuesday 26 July 2022

Steve's History of Things 4 - Jasperware


 

Come with me, if you will, back to the 1759 when Josiah Wedgwood founded his pottery company in Staffordshire, England. The company is still going to this day albeit now owned by Finnish home products maker Fiskars. But going back to the 18th century, Josiah Wedgewood came up with an iconic design called Jasperware, after the mineral jasper, featuring white cameo reliefs based on neoclassical designs on a pale blue background which became known as Wedgwood blue. The design proved to be popular and enduring as this retro ashtray from the 1970s proves.




Although Wedgwood blue is by far the most popular colour, dark blue, lilac, green, yellow and black were to follow. Wedgwood was the first potter to date mark his wares although decyphering the marks is not always easy. This ashtray has 'Wedgwood Made in England' in a single stamp which was introduced in 1970. It also appears to have the number 89, suggesting it was manufactured in 1989, which is strange as I know that this piece was bought in the 1970s unless my memory has gone sadly awry. The letter K baffles me as well. Wedgwood did use single letter codes to denote the month of manufacturer, but K wasn't among them. The letters SG (or possibly SC) could be the potter's intitials but, as I say, decyphering the marks is not always easy. This website may help: https://antiques.lovetoknow.com/Vintage_Wedgwood_China Josiah was a man ahead of his time. Not only did he introduce date stamping he also introduced us to such 'modern' concepts as direct mail, money back guaruntees, self service, free delivery, illustrated catalogues and buy one get one free.




Jasperware proved so popular that other potters also started to make it. One such was Josiah's neighbour William Adams who favoured the cobalt blue background as shown in this magnificent 11 inch (28cm) tall cheese dome with a 9 inch (23cm) diameter. Unfortunately, the dome is unmarked, so I cannot say whether it is an Adams or not. Quite possibly, there was a base to go with it at some point which would have been marked, but the dome is a heavy piece of stoneware and if it were dropped then the base would have stood little chance. Even so, it is a beautiful piece of tableware that would grace any restaurant or quality cheese shop. Similar items by Wedgwood or Adams sell for in excess of £1,000 but as this one cannot be positively attributed, it can be yours for only £199.

Plus - for readers of this blog only - use the coupon code below for a 10% discount on this item!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy?coupon=SVCBLOG4 


Find loads more great stuff at Steve's Vintage Collectables


All the best,


Steve


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