Wedgwood black jasperware neoclassical plate, 22cm

This attractive antique Wedgwood plate is a classic example of the firm’s renowned black jasperware, decorated in crisp white reliefs in the Neo-classical taste. Measuring approximately 22 cm in diameter, it has the typical matt, slightly silky surface associated with jasper stoneware and is impressed to the reverse with the WEDGWOOD mark, confirming its authenticity.

The front of the plate is decorated with a central classical scene in white sprigging, depicting a seated female figure attended by putti beneath a stylised tree or vine – a design type inspired by ancient Roman cameos and intaglios, which Josiah Wedgwood studied closely. Around the broad border is a series of alternating relief vignettes: small groups of playful putti, classical figures and scrolls, separated by pairs of slender foliate supports or candelabrum-type motifs. These applied white jasper sprigs stand out with strong contrast against the dense black body, creating the cameo-like effect for which Wedgwood jasperware is famous.

The plate has a shallow well with a lightly rising rim, making it suitable as a decorative cabinet or wall plate rather than for everyday table use. The reverse is plain, with a flat, unglazed-looking jasper surface typical of this material. The impressed WEDGWOOD mark appears on the inner back; additional tiny workman’s marks may also be present but are faint, consistent with hand production. The absence of “ENGLAND” beneath the name and the general character of the sprigging suggest production in the later 19th or early 20th century, when black jasper was particularly favoured for classically inspired display wares.

Condition from the images appears generally good and commensurate with age and careful use. The black ground shows minor surface rubbing and a few light scuffs visible in raking light, typical for matte jasper, but there are no obvious chips or cracks to the rim or body. The white sprigged ornament retains good definition, with only slight age-related discolouration in places. To the reverse there are some handling marks, firing specks and traces of old labels, all of which support the piece’s age and long collecting history.

For collectors of Wedgwood and of Neo-classical ceramics more broadly, this 22 cm black jasperware plate offers a strong, sculptural presence that displays beautifully on a stand or in a wall-mounted arrangement. The restrained palette of black and white allows the refined modelling of the reliefs to take centre stage, while the circular procession of border motifs gives a sense of rhythm and movement. Its medium size makes it easy to integrate into a group of other jasperware colours, or to use as a focal point in a more eclectic interior scheme. Overall, it is a fine decorative and collectible example of Wedgwood’s enduring mastery of jasperware.