Wedgwood Caneware Hand Painted Bulbous Twin Handle Lidded Jar c.1810

Discover an exceptional example of early 19th-century English stoneware with this exquisite Wedgwood Caneware hand painted bulbous twin handle jar, complete with original lid. Dating from approximately 1810–1820, this refined lidded vessel embodies the elegance and innovation for which Wedgwood is internationally renowned.

Fashioned in the distinctive caneware body, the jar presents a warm, biscuit-toned ground that beautifully complements its early hand painted decoration. The bulbous form is gracefully proportioned, rising to a fitted lid and flanked by twin handles that enhance both its aesthetic appeal and its practicality. The overall silhouette is both sculptural and harmonious, making it an ideal focal point in a curated display of fine ceramics.

The hand painted design is particularly noteworthy. Early Wedgwood decorators applied pigments with remarkable finesse, and this jar is no exception. The surface is adorned with intricate, carefully rendered motifs that reflect the artistic sensibilities of the Regency period. Each brushstroke reveals the steady hand and trained eye of a skilled artist, resulting in a piece that feels both historically significant and visually captivating.

A compelling point of reference for this jar is the presence of identical decoration on a fish bowl held in the permanent collection of the British Museum. This connection underscores the importance of the pattern and highlights the jar’s relevance to collectors, historians, and connoisseurs of early Wedgwood. Owning a piece so closely related to a museum-held example offers a rare opportunity to bring a touch of institutional-level quality into a private collection.

Measuring approximately 20 cm in height, this lidded jar is substantial enough to command attention, yet refined enough to integrate seamlessly into a cabinet of curiosities, a Georgian-inspired interior, or a broader collection of English pottery and porcelain. The twin handles add a sculptural dimension, framing the body and providing a pleasing balance to the bulbous form.

Condition is generally very good for a piece of this age, with small chips to the lid noted for accuracy. These minor imperfections are consistent with careful use and long-term display over more than two centuries and do not detract from the jar’s overall presence, authenticity, or display value. As with all antique ceramics, collectors will appreciate the gentle signs of age that attest to its history and originality.

This Wedgwood caneware jar would be an exceptional addition to:

• Serious Wedgwood collections focusing on early stonewares and experimental bodies
• Curated displays of Regency and Georgian decorative arts
• Collections of museum-quality British ceramics and historically important patterns
• Interior schemes seeking a luxurious, classical accent with genuine period character

Key details:

• Maker: Wedgwood
• Material: Caneware (stoneware)
• Decoration: Early hand painted design
• Form: Bulbous body with twin handles and original lid
• Height: Approx. 20 cm
• Date: Circa 1810–1820
• Reference: Identical decoration to a fish bowl in the permanent collection of the British Museum
• Condition: Small chips to lid; otherwise good antique condition with expected age-related wear

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire an early 19th-century Wedgwood caneware piece with strong museum parallels, fine hand painted decoration, and a particularly attractive form. Perfect for the discerning collector seeking a luxurious, historically significant ceramic to elevate any collection or interior.

Please feel free to message with any questions or for additional information and images. Serious enquiries from collectors and decorators are warmly welcomed.