Antiques M.S. Rau | Wedgwood Black Basalt Oenochoe

Crafted By Wedgwood, This Pair Of 18Th-Century Neoclassical Oenochoe, Or Wine Jugs, Are Comprised Of Black Basalt — Largely Considered The Firm’S Greatest Innovation. Decorations Of Terracotta Red And White Encaustic Enamel Adorn The Handled Vases, Including Anthemion, Foliate Swags And Two Hellenistic Figures With Laurel Around Their Heads. The Scenes Of Hellenistic Myth Are A Clear Homage To The Classical Motifs Of Ancient Greek Pottery. Black Basalt Was Developed In 1767 By Founder Josiah Wedgwood And Was Inspired By The Hard, Natural Stone Known As Egyptian Basalt.

Circa 1795

Impressed “Wedgwood”

10 1/2″ High X 4″ Wide X 4 2/8″ Deep Each

Provenance:
Jacobs Collection.
Skinner, European Furniture And Decorative Arts, Boston, Marlborough, 9 December 2020, Lot 315.
Collection Of Dr. Ellis F. Rubin And Suzanne Borow Rubin.
M.S. Rau, New Orleans.