Wedgwood & Bentley 18th C Black Basalt Intaglio Seal with Alphabet Cypher

Exquisite 18th Century Wedgwood & Bentley Basalt Intaglio Seal – Alphabetic Cypher Design

Presenting a rare and refined Wedgwood & Bentley 18th century black basalt intaglio seal, finely engraved with an alphabetic cypher. This elegant piece of Georgian-era design exemplifies the sophisticated taste, neoclassical style, and technical mastery that made Wedgwood & Bentley one of the most celebrated partnerships in the history of English ceramics.

Crafted in the late 18th century, this antique intaglio seal is formed in black basalt stoneware, a dense, matte, jet-black ceramic body perfected by Josiah Wedgwood. The crisp, incised alphabetic cypher is typical of the period’s fascination with classical motifs, personal seals, and coded monograms, and would have originally served as a personal or decorative seal for wax impressions.

Key Features

• Maker: Wedgwood & Bentley
• Period: 18th century (Georgian era)
• Material: Black basalt stoneware
• Type: Intaglio seal
• Design: Alphabetic cypher (alphabetic cipher/monogram-style engraving)
• Style: Neoclassical, antique-inspired
• Origin: England
• Reference: Listed in the 1777 Wedgwood & Bentley catalogue, A Catalogue of Cameos: Intaglios, Medals, Busts, Small Statues, and Bas-reliefs; with a General Account of Vases and Other Ornaments After the Antique, sold at their rooms in Greek-Street, Soho, London.

Design & Craftsmanship

The seal showcases the refined engraving and precision moulding that distinguish early Wedgwood production. Black basalt was prized in the 18th century for its resemblance to ancient Roman and Etruscan wares, and Wedgwood & Bentley’s partnership focused on creating objects “after the antique” for a discerning, cultured clientele.

The alphabetic cypher is cut in intaglio, meaning the design is incised into the surface rather than raised. When pressed into wax, it would produce a raised, reversed impression of the cypher. Such seals were often associated with identity, status, and confidentiality, making this piece a fascinating intersection of art, history, and function.

Historical Importance

This seal is directly associated with the documented output of Wedgwood & Bentley, as recorded in their 1777 catalogue of cameos, intaglios, medals and ornaments. That catalogue, titled A Catalogue of Cameos: Intaglios, Medals, Busts, Small Statues, and Bas-reliefs; with a General Account of Vases and Other Ornaments After the Antique, Made by Wedgwood and Bentley; and Sold at Their Rooms in Greek-Street-Soho, London, is a key primary source for scholars and collectors of early Wedgwood.

Pieces from this period are highly sought after by collectors of:

• Early Wedgwood & Bentley wares
• Black basalt stoneware
• Georgian and neoclassical decorative arts
• Antique seals, intaglios, and cameos
• Grand Tour and classical revival objects

Condition

Overall condition is consistent with an authentic 18th century antique. Please refer carefully to the photographs for a detailed visual assessment of the surface, edges, and engraving. Any age-related wear, minor abrasions, or light handling marks are in keeping with the piece’s age and historical use, and contribute to its character and authenticity.

A Superb Addition to a Discerning Collection

This Wedgwood & Bentley basalt intaglio seal offers:

• A genuine 18th century example of black basalt artistry
• A documented link to the 1777 Wedgwood & Bentley catalogue
• An evocative alphabetic cypher design with both visual and historical appeal
• An ideal piece for a cabinet of curiosities, a specialist Wedgwood collection, or an assemblage of antique seals and classical revival objects

Whether you are a dedicated Wedgwood collector, a curator of fine ceramics, or a lover of neoclassical and Georgian decorative arts, this 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley intaglio seal in black basalt is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of ceramic history with impeccable provenance and timeless elegance.

Provenance & Reference

This piece corresponds to the type of intaglio seals listed in the 1777 Wedgwood & Bentley publication: A Catalogue of Cameos: Intaglios, Medals, Busts, Small Statues, and Bas-reliefs; with a General Account of Vases and Other Ornaments After the Antique, Made by Wedgwood and Bentley; and Sold at Their Rooms in Greek-Street-Soho, London. This association underscores its authenticity and importance within the broader corpus of early Wedgwood production.

Secure this distinguished Wedgwood & Bentley 18th century basalt intaglio seal and add a museum-worthy object of beauty, history, and craftsmanship to your collection.