Wedgwood 1906 Jasperware Museum Opening Spill Vase, Wedgwood & Shakespeare

Exquisite 1906 Wedgwood Light-Blue Dip Jasperware Museum Opening Commemorative Spill Vase

This rare and highly collectible Wedgwood light-blue dip jasperware spill vase was produced in 1906 to commemorate the opening of the Wedgwood Museum. Finely modelled and beautifully proportioned, it is a superb example of early 20th-century Wedgwood craftsmanship and an elegant addition to any serious collection of jasperware, British ceramics, or commemorative pottery.

Key Features

• Maker: Wedgwood
• Material: Classic light-blue dip jasperware with applied white relief
• Date: Dated 1906
• Markings: Impressed uppercase Wedgwood mark, “MUSEUM” and cyphers
• Form: Cylindrical spill vase
• Decoration: Relief portraits of Josiah Wedgwood and William Shakespeare
• Dimensions: Approx. height 2 1/8 in.
• Condition: Good condition with restoration (see details below)

Design & Decoration

This charming spill vase is crafted in Wedgwood’s iconic light-blue jasper dip, with crisply applied white reliefs on each side. One side features a shoulder-length portrait of Josiah Wedgwood, the visionary founder of the Wedgwood manufactory, above a banner dated 1730–1795, marking his lifetime. The reverse shows a finely modelled profile of William Shakespeare, celebrating one of England’s greatest cultural figures.

The portraits are framed by a clean white band around the body and set above a neat circular foot, giving the piece a refined neoclassical balance. The contrast between the soft blue ground and the sharp white relief is particularly attractive and typical of Wedgwood’s finest jasperware.

Historical & Collecting Interest

Produced to mark the opening of the Wedgwood Museum in 1906, this spill vase is not only decorative but also a piece of Wedgwood history. The impressed MUSEUM mark and accompanying cyphers confirm its commemorative status, making it especially desirable for collectors of:

• Wedgwood jasperware and dip ware
• British commemorative ceramics
• Early 20th-century English pottery
• Pieces related to Josiah Wedgwood or Shakespeare

Its compact size makes it ideal for display in a cabinet, on a mantelpiece, or as part of a curated Wedgwood grouping. Despite its small scale, the quality of modelling and the clarity of the reliefs give it real presence.

Condition

The spill vase is in good overall condition with restoration. The restoration has been carried out to a presentable standard and the piece displays very well. As with all antique ceramics, minor age-related characteristics should be expected, but there are no major structural issues to detract from its decorative appeal.

If you would like a more detailed condition report or close-up images of specific areas, please send a message and I will be happy to assist.

A Refined Addition to Any Collection

This 1906 Wedgwood museum opening commemorative spill vase is a sophisticated and historically significant piece, combining fine jasperware technique with important cultural and company references. It would make an excellent gift for a Wedgwood enthusiast, a collector of Shakespeareana, or anyone who appreciates high-quality English porcelain and pottery.

Please feel free to message with any questions or for additional photographs. This is a genuine period Wedgwood piece, ready to enhance a discerning collection or add a touch of classical elegance to your interior.