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Wedgwood

Wedgwood Jasperware Etruscan Jug | Glazed Inside

Wedgwood Jasperware Etruscan Jug | Glazed Inside

Regular price R 850.00 ZAR
Regular price Sale price R 850.00 ZAR
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A beautiful mid-century Wedgwood Jasperware jug in the iconic pale blue, featuring the elegant Etruscan shape. The body is decorated with finely detailed white bas-relief sprigging depicting classical Greco-Roman sacrificial and mythological scenes, framed by intricate floral geometric borders. The classic loop handle is adorned with a trailing acanthus leaf motif.

Unlike purely ornamental Jasperware, this piece features a fully glazed interior, making it perfectly functional for serving cream, milk, or water, as well as a striking display piece.

Dimensions

- Height: 11.5 cm
- Length (spout to handle): 10.7 cm

Condition

- Excellent - This mid-century piece has been remarkably well-preserved and exhibits minimal signs of age and wear. It is a beautiful, clean example of 1950s Wedgwood craftsmanship.

Structural Integrity: There are no chips, cracks, hairlines, fleabites, or evidence of professional restoration anywhere on the body, handle, or delicate pouring lip.

Bas-Relief: The white classical reliefs remain exceptionally crisp, clean, and securely attached. There is no missing detail or lifting in the intricate border work, figures, or the acanthus leaf handle trail. The contrast between the blue ground and white relief remains sharp and free of staining.

Interior Glaze: The glossy interior glaze is completely intact, smooth, and clean, showing no signs of crazing, staining, or internal mineral deposits from previous use.

Base & Surface Wear: The foot rim shows minor, expected shelf wear and faint scuffing consistent with age and gentle display. There are a few tiny, natural manufacturing irregularities (slight color variations and microscopic firing specks) on the unglazed exterior base, which are entirely typical of vitrified stoneware from this era and do not detract from its beauty.

Note for Buyers: Please study the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this condition description. All images show the exact item you will receive.

Additional Information

1. Design & Features
- Classical Aesthetics: This piece showcases the quintessence of neoclassical design, heavily inspired by ancient Roman and Greek pottery. The striking contrast between the matte pale blue stoneware and the crisp white bas-relief creates a timeless, three-dimensional silhouette.
- Mythological Imagery: The body of the jug is wrapped in an intricate frieze of sprigged white reliefs, featuring classical figures, a cherub atop a pedestal, and ancient sacrificial altars flanked by sacrificial trees and palm motifs.
- The Etruscan Shape: Characterised by its generous, bulbous lower body that elegantly tapers into a defined neck, it features a beautifully contoured pouring lip and a sturdy, sweeping loop handle.

2. Craftsmanship
- Authentic Jasperware: Crafted from unglazed, vitrified stoneware—a body type famously perfected by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1770s after thousands of experiments.
- Applied Bas-Relief: The intricate white decorations are not painted on; each delicate classical motif was individually cast in a separate mould and painstakingly applied by hand by skilled artisans before firing (a process known as "sprigging").
- Finishing Touches: The handle is adorned with hand-applied acanthus leaf trailing, ensuring every angle of the jug displays meticulous attention to detail. The interior features a smooth, glossy glaze, a testament to Wedgwood’s ability to balance fine art with practical utility.

3. Uses & Versatility
- Elegant Tableware: Thanks to the rare and practical addition of a glazed interior, this piece is fully functional. It is perfect for serving water, milk, fresh juices, or iced tea at a formal luncheon or a curated afternoon tea.
- Artisanal Florals: The soft blue tone and generous neck make it an exquisite, heavy-bottomed vase for displaying fresh spring blooms.
- Heritage Display: A standout collector's piece that adds instant character, texture, and English heritage to a dresser, open kitchen shelving, or a curated mantle display.

4. Care Instructions
To preserve the pristine condition of this mid-century treasure for decades to come, please observe the following care guidelines:
- Hand Wash Only: Never place vintage Jasperware in a dishwasher. Wash gently by hand in warm water using a mild, liquid dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge.
- Avoid Abrasives: Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive chemical cleaners, as these can permanently scratch the matte stoneware body.
- Cleaning the Reliefs: If dust or debris settles into the crevices of the detailed white reliefs over time, a very soft-bristled toothbrush can be used gently to clean the intricate areas.
- Dry Thoroughly: Allow the jug to air dry completely or gently pat dry with a lint-free cloth before storing or displaying.

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