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Learn MoreWedgwood Blue Jasperware Portland Vase
- This exquisite blue jasper Portland Vase takes the form of Josiah Wedgwood's crowning achievement
- Based on an ancient Roman cameo glass vessel, Wedgwood's Portland Vase catapulted him to fame
- Highly rare, only small number of 19th-century copies of Wedgwood's Portland vase were made
- Get complete item description here
$4,450
Item No.
32-0284
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Description
This exceptional Wedgwood version of the Portland Vase is fashioned in the form that Josiah Wedgwood considered to be his greatest achievement. Crafted from rich blue jasper dip, it is based upon the legendary Portland Vase, the most famous example of ancient Roman cameo glass in the world. In the late 18th century, Wedgwood became so obsessed with this ancient treasure that he dedicated four years of his life to achieving the perfect reproduction in. . .
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This exceptional Wedgwood version of the Portland Vase is fashioned in the form that Josiah Wedgwood considered to be his greatest achievement. Crafted from rich blue jasper dip, it is based upon the legendary Portland Vase, the most famous example of ancient Roman cameo glass in the world. In the late 18th century, Wedgwood became so obsessed with this ancient treasure that he dedicated four years of his life to achieving the perfect reproduction in ceramic. The present example, beautifully detailed and in pristine condition, remains true to Wedgwood's original vision.
The original Portland Vase, dating to around 25 CE, was discovered in the tomb of the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus in the 16th century. It eventually entered the collection of the Duchess of Portland and, after her death, the collection of the 3rd Duke of Portland, who lent it to Josiah Wedgwood in 1786 to replicate. After four years of experimentation and trials, Wedgwood succeeded in creating a "true and faithful copy" of the vase and, in the process, also perfected his revolutionary formula for jasperware.
For this reason, the Portland Vase is regarded as the pinnacle of Wedgwood's achievements. It has experienced continued fame among connoisseurs over the past 200 years, and symbolically it is at the very heart of the company's identity. Today, the Portland Vase is used in the Wedgwood corporate seal and is the symbol of the Wedgwood Society of New York. Since Wedgwood’s original success and the incredible popularity of his copies, the Wedgwood Manufactory has produced a small number of later editions; those examples in blue jasper, such as the present work, are among the most highly desirable.
This iconic form is the subject of the book The Portland Vase and The Wedgwood Copies by Wolf Mankowitz.
Stamped "Wedgwood"
19th Century
10 1/4“ high x 7 3/4" diameter
Provenance:
Private Collection, USA
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
The original Portland Vase, dating to around 25 CE, was discovered in the tomb of the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus in the 16th century. It eventually entered the collection of the Duchess of Portland and, after her death, the collection of the 3rd Duke of Portland, who lent it to Josiah Wedgwood in 1786 to replicate. After four years of experimentation and trials, Wedgwood succeeded in creating a "true and faithful copy" of the vase and, in the process, also perfected his revolutionary formula for jasperware.
For this reason, the Portland Vase is regarded as the pinnacle of Wedgwood's achievements. It has experienced continued fame among connoisseurs over the past 200 years, and symbolically it is at the very heart of the company's identity. Today, the Portland Vase is used in the Wedgwood corporate seal and is the symbol of the Wedgwood Society of New York. Since Wedgwood’s original success and the incredible popularity of his copies, the Wedgwood Manufactory has produced a small number of later editions; those examples in blue jasper, such as the present work, are among the most highly desirable.
This iconic form is the subject of the book The Portland Vase and The Wedgwood Copies by Wolf Mankowitz.
Stamped "Wedgwood"
19th Century
10 1/4“ high x 7 3/4" diameter
Provenance:
Private Collection, USA
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
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Specifications
| Maker: | Wedgwood |
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Vases/Urns |
| Style: | Jasperware |
| Depth: | 7.75 in. (19.69 cm) |
| Width: | 7.75 in. (19.69 cm) |
| Height: | 10.25 in. (26.04 cm) |
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8 Things You Didn’t Know About Wedgwood
When Josiah Wedgwood first founded the Wedgwood pottery company in 1759, few could have predicted the extent of his success. Today, Wedgwood is remembered for reshaping the pottery business, especially in his innovations of...
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Wedgwood: A Story of Splendor
Wedgwood First Edition Numbered Copy of the Portland Vase The ceramics of Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) rank amongst the most expert and stunning in the world. Throughout the development and craft of...
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
