Antique Wedgwood Green Jasperware Biscuit Barrel with Metal Mounts

This attractive antique biscuit barrel is a classic example of Wedgwood’s green jasperware, enhanced with metal mounts and a swing handle. Standing approximately 17 cm high to the finial, the cylindrical body is made from matte sage-green jasper with applied white reliefs in the neo-classical taste. Around the sides runs a continuous procession of female figures, putti, trees, floral urns and sacrificial altars, all crisply modelled in white and standing proud of the ground. The lower edge is encircled by a delicate white oak-leaf and acorn border, repeated as a narrower band just above the foot, giving the piece a well-balanced, architectural appearance typical of late 19th–early 20th century Wedgwood production.

The body is clearly impressed WEDGWOOD to the base, confirming authenticity. The interior is left in the typical pale, unglazed jasper finish, showing the solid-colour body rather than a slip decoration. The reliefs remain well defined, with only light handling wear consistent with age; the green ground has a pleasing, even tone and retains its original satin surface.

The top rim is fitted with a plated metal collar, originally silver-plate over base metal, now showing mottled wear, tarnish and surface pitting from age and use. A brass swing handle is attached at either side with small riveted lugs, still functioning well and providing a practical way to lift and carry the jar. The domed, turned finial to the lid and the interior of the cover are again metal. From the hallmarks and maker’s stamp visible to the underside of the cover, it is evident that the lid is of good quality manufacture, most likely contemporary but made by a specialist silversmith rather than Wedgwood themselves. The fit is now extremely tight and a little awkward in the collar; as noted, it may be a replacement or mismatched lid. While it can be carefully pressed into place for display, frequent removal is not recommended to avoid stressing the ceramic rim.

Condition is generally presentable for an antique biscuit barrel intended for display. There are several small chips around the lower edge of the footrim, visible in the photographs; these are mostly to the green ground rather than the white relief border, and do not affect stability. The metal mounts show expected age-related wear, including rubbing to the silver plate, localised corrosion spots and surface scratching, all of which are typical for a utilitarian table piece of this period. The jasperware body has no visible cracks or structural repairs, and the applied figures are substantially intact.

This Wedgwood jasperware biscuit bucket will appeal to collectors of English ceramics, lovers of neo-classical design and those seeking a decorative storage jar for a Regency- or Georgian-inspired interior. It displays particularly well as part of a grouping of green, blue and lilac jasperware, where the white reliefs can be appreciated in the round. While the tight, possibly non-original lid and chips to the base mean it is best suited to decorative rather than heavy practical use, it remains a handsome, authentic example of Wedgwood’s enduringly popular jasperware line.