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Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Teapot, C. 1790

£500    $633    €602
Shipping: Ship to United States  £60
This exquisite antique Wedgwood teapot, crafted in the late 18th century, is made of black basalt, a material long recognized as one of the firm''s finest creations. The teapot features an engine-turned body with a rare basket weave design that adorns the body, spout, and handle. It has a C-shaped ear handle, a straight spout, and a raised rim. The body of the pot is divided into two halves by horizontal bands, with both halves and the spout decorated with cannelures. The cover is topped with a knob in the form of a seated, draped female figure, often referred to as the ''widow.''
 
Teapots of this pattern are highly coveted and are exhibited in the most prestigious museums. For example, a similar teapot can be seen in the Victoria and Albert Museum:
 
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O149003/teapot-josiah-wedgwood-and/
 
Black basalt is a type of pottery made from a mixture of clay and other materials that produce a black body when fired in a kiln. It is turned or press-moulded similarly to other types of pottery. The history of basalt dates back to the Iron Age, when certain clays that naturally fired black were used. In the 18th century, the process was refined, with the best formula being developed by Josiah Wedgwood around 1767. This formula was soon copied, and many companies produced basalt wares during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Wedgwood continued its production until the late 20th century.
 
Black basalt was popular for several reasons. It resembles ancient bronze, making it suitable for busts; it also resembles ancient Greek vases, which Wedgwood replicated with ''encaustic'' painting techniques. Additionally, the dark material highlighted the whiteness of ladies'' hands, making it a popular choice for tea wares. The finest basalt is a very refined and beautiful material, highly prized by collectors, especially those with a preference for neoclassical styles. Its ability to take sharp, detailed decoration makes it particularly suited to ...
Antique #SA1088927, shown on this page, originates from the 18th century. For historical context, the timeline below highlights the period when it was made:
←C18th
Famous inventions historic timeline graphic to help to give historical context to the date of this antique.
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