Agateware vase and cover

Wedgwood and Bentley

ca. 1770 · Glazed earthenware decorated with agate glaze, gilt and jasperware base · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This agate glazed vase with Bacchus-head handles demonstrate the variety of decorating techniques mastered at the factory of Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95) and his partner Thomas Bentley (1730–80) to cater to the demands of the middle-class market in England. New decorative finishes and glazing techniques catered to the demands for novelty. Printed sources such as Jacques Stella’s Livre de Vases played an important role in furnishing classically inspired models for vases such as this one.

Artist

Wedgwood and Bentley

Date

ca. 1770

Medium

Glazed earthenware decorated with agate glaze, gilt and jasperware base

Culture

British, Etruria, Staffordshire

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of the Starr and Wolfe Family, 2018