Moffitts Antiques
Wedgwood 18th C Three-Color Jasperware Portrait Medallion Vase, c.1790
Wedgwood 18th C Three-Color Jasperware Portrait Medallion Vase, c.1790
Couldn't load pickup availability
Presenting an exceptional antique Wedgwood three-color jasperware vase, dating from around circa 1790. This rare beaker-shaped vase showcases Wedgwood’s finest neoclassical craftsmanship, featuring a harmonious combination of blue, lilac, and white jasperware with exquisitely modeled portrait medallions.
The vase stands on a rounded foot with an inset beaded rim, a classic Wedgwood detail that adds refinement and balance to the form. The body is elegantly beaker-shaped, rising gracefully from the foot and decorated in relief with trailing ribbons, tied bows, and star motifs in white jasper against a rich antique blue ground. This delicate ornamentation is beautifully executed and characteristic of high-quality late 18th-century Wedgwood production.
Around the body of the vase, three portrait medallions are applied at equal intervals. Each medallion features a finely modeled white portrait in profile set against a soft lilac jasper ground, framed by the surrounding blue and white decoration. These portrait medallions are one of the most desirable and collectible aspects of early Wedgwood jasperware, reflecting the neoclassical taste for cameos and intaglios inspired by ancient Rome and Greece.
The upper section of the vase is finished with a beaded border, echoing the beading at the foot and adding visual rhythm to the design. Further beaded decoration is applied to the slightly everted rim, giving the piece a refined and luxurious silhouette. The subtle flare of the rim enhances the elegant profile and showcases the relief work to full effect.
To the underside, the vase bears an impressed Wedgwood mark, confirming its authenticity and origin. This mark is consistent with late 18th-century Wedgwood jasperware, making the piece particularly attractive to serious collectors of early Wedgwood ceramics and English neoclassical pottery.
The vase measures approximately 9 cm in height, making it a perfect size for display in a cabinet, on a mantelpiece, or as part of a curated collection of fine porcelain and jasperware. Despite its age of over two centuries, the vase remains in exceptional condition for its period. There is a small area of loss to the top rim, noted for accuracy and visible upon close inspection, but this does not detract significantly from the overall beauty, presence, or display value of the piece.
This antique Wedgwood three-color jasperware medallion vase is a superb example of Georgian-era decorative art and a testament to the innovation and artistry of Josiah Wedgwood and his workshop. The combination of blue ground, lilac portrait medallions, and crisp white relief decoration is both visually striking and highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Ideal for:
- Collectors of antique Wedgwood jasperware
- Enthusiasts of 18th-century English pottery and neoclassical design
- Interior designers seeking a luxurious, historic accent piece
- Gift buyers looking for a distinctive, museum-quality antique
This rare vase would sit beautifully alongside other Georgian ceramics, fine porcelain, and period decorative arts. Its refined palette of antique blue, lilac, and white allows it to complement both traditional and contemporary interiors, adding a touch of understated luxury and historical depth.
Please review the photographs carefully as they form part of the description, and do not hesitate to message with any inquiries or requests for additional images or details. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic late 18th-century Wedgwood jasperware portrait vase in remarkably good condition, ready to enhance a discerning collection.
