Wedgwood Cobalt Blue Dip Jasper Ware Biscuit Barrel

Pottery : By Maker : Wedgwood : Jasper Ware : Cobalt Blue Dip : Biscuit Barrel Jar

 

Of all the pieces of Wedgwood Jasperware manufactured during the 19th and early 20th century, biscuit barrel have to be the single most impressive type. They are quite large and generally fitted out with sterling or silver-plated mounts and lids. They may not be the largest or rarest pieces made, but they certainly have presence sitting on a shelf.

This example is a monument to the beauty of Jasper ware. It was executed in Jasper with a cobalt blue dip background. The relief decoration, executed in white, depicts figures preforming sacrifices to the gods. The interior of the jar was glazed to prevent staining.

It has been mounted with a plated silver rim at the mouth with an attached bail handle. The lid, which is also plated, has a beautiful embossed pattern of ivy vines and leaves on its upper surface. The knob finial is detachable for polishing.

This particular example was manufactured between about 1880 and 1890, which is fairly early for dip biscuit barrels (they seem to have been made in the greatest number from 1880 to the beginning of WWI).

The barrel stands 5" tall and is 5" in diameter. It is 9" tall to the top of the bail handle.

Condition on this piece is excellent; there is no wear or damage to the Wedgwood jar. There are a couple of small voids on the bottom rim, but they are under the blue dip, so they are not chips or damage. There is a black inclusion under the glaze on the interior

The condition of the metal fittings is as follows: There one area of corrosion to the underside of the lid, but they it would not be apparent when the piece is displayed. There are four small dings on the rim where the bail handle comes in contact with the rim. There is loss of the silver plating on the rim as well. Basically, the metal fittings are showing their age.

Marked on the bottom only with the impressed Wedgwood mark in capitals, which dates the piece to before 1891 (in that year, the impressed "England" mark was added to satisfy an United States tarrif). Metal fittings are unmarked.

There is a note which was inside the jar when we purchased it which reads, in part, "Date: Pre-1860". This is off by at least 20 years.

Item ID: 01068

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