Humphrey Palmer Black Basalt Bacchic Relief Vase c1770-78 – 17cm Georgian

Exquisite Humphrey Palmer Black Basalt Vase, Bacchic Relief, circa 1770–1778

This refined black basalt vase is an outstanding example of late 18th-century English stoneware, attributed to Humphrey Palmer, the most significant contemporary rival to Josiah Wedgwood in the production of high-quality black basalt. Dating from around 1770–1778, it represents the height of Georgian neoclassical taste and the technical excellence of early Staffordshire ceramic manufacture.

Humphrey Palmer was renowned for his sophisticated black basalt wares and for employing the talented modeller John Voyez after his departure from Wedgwood. Pieces from this circle are highly sought after by collectors of early English pottery, Wedgwood-related wares, and connoisseurs of neoclassical design.

Design & Decoration

• Material: Fine black basalt stoneware
• Form: Simple, elegant classical vase silhouette
• Decoration: Applied high-relief Bacchic boys (putti with Bacchic attributes) to one side, with a corresponding group of three more on the reverse
• Border: Crisp, finely moulded fluted border below the main body
• Ornamentation: The rim, shoulder and foot are each encircled with beautifully modelled bands of stiff leaves, enhancing the neoclassical aesthetic
• Height: Approximately 17 cm
• Marks: Unmarked, as commonly found on period Palmer pieces

The overall composition is a masterclass in restrained Georgian luxury: the deep, satin-matt black basalt body provides a dramatic backdrop to the crisp, sculptural reliefs, evoking the classical revival style that swept through Britain in the second half of the 18th century. The Bacchic subject matter, with playful boys associated with Bacchus, reflects the period’s fascination with classical mythology and convivial themes.

Condition Report

• General condition: Very good for an 18th-century black basalt vase
• Appliqué: One portion of the applied relief decoration has fallen away, visible on close inspection
• Structural integrity: Otherwise no chips, cracks or repairs noted
• Surfaces show only the light, honest wear commensurate with age and careful handling

Black basalt of this period is notoriously susceptible to damage, and the survival of this vase with only a single loss to the appliqué is particularly pleasing. The missing section does little to detract from the overall visual impact, and the modelling remains crisp and attractive.

Attribution & Collecting Appeal

Humphrey Palmer’s black basalt is of great interest to collectors of:

• Early English ceramics and 18th-century Staffordshire pottery
• Wedgwood & rival factories, including works associated with John Voyez
• Neoclassical and Georgian decorative arts
• Black basalt and other fine stonewares

Pieces from Palmer’s works are less frequently encountered on the market than Wedgwood examples, making this vase an appealing opportunity for the discerning collector. Its classical form, Bacchic subject matter, and fine detailing make it a strong candidate for inclusion in a curated collection of 18th-century British ceramics or as a statement piece in an interior with a taste for historically informed, understated luxury.

Display & Interior Use

This 17 cm black basalt vase displays beautifully on a mantelpiece, console table, or within a cabinet of curiosities. Its rich, velvety black body and sculptural relief are particularly striking against pale or textured backgrounds, and it pairs well with both antique and contemporary interiors. Whether placed alongside other neoclassical objects or presented as a single focal point, it adds depth, history, and sophistication to any space.

Key Features at a Glance

• Authentic 18th-century black basalt vase, circa 1770–78
• Attributed to Humphrey Palmer, Wedgwood’s major rival in black basalt
• High-relief Bacchic boys decoration to both sides
• Elegant classical form with fluted border and stiff leaf bands
• 17 cm in height, unmarked
• Good antique condition; one section of appliqué missing, no chips, cracks or repairs otherwise

Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description. If you require additional images, close-ups, or further details about condition, provenance, or display suggestions, you are welcome to send a message with any questions.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an elegant and historically significant Georgian black basalt vase from the circle of one of Wedgwood’s foremost competitors, offering both scholarly interest and timeless decorative appeal.