Wedgwood Gilt Bone China Clam Shell Centrepiece

Name: Wedgwood Gilt Bone China Clam Shell Centrepiece
Brand: Wedgwood
Price: 2150 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

This eyecatching Wedgwood gilt bone china centrepiece is formed by two half clam shells supported on antler coral, which then rests on a round base. Rising up between the shells is more coral, on top of which sits a murex shell. The only decoration to the piece is the very delicate moulding together with the gilding to the rim and the high points of the clam shells as well as the high points of the murex shell, with the hand gilding contrasting nicely against the white bone china. The base shows the shape number Z 2264. The Z series was first issued in 1879 and the items produced were described as gilt bone china "fancies", or ornamental pieces. Centrepieces sat on a dining table or a sideboard to hold flowers, sweetmeats or pastilles or just to be decorative. This one measures 405 mm (16 inches) wide, 280 mm (11 inches) deep and stands 300 mm (12 inches) high. There is a very small firing crack to the inside edge of one of the clam shells, otherwise it is in very good condition. It dates from the period 1879-1890.

Creator:

Wedgwood (Manufacturer)

Dimensions:

Height: 12 in (30.48 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 11 in (27.94 cm)

Style:

Rococo Revival (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Porcelain

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

1880-1889

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1880

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

East Geelong, AU

Reference Number:

Seller: 47721stDibs: LU6215231624052

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Wedgwood

Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95) in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops. 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 antique Wedgwood dinnerware pieces and other items feature 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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