We recently conducted an antique English Porcelain Appraisal featuring an early piece by a very well known and acclaimed factory. Featured in this post is this lovely late 19th Century Wedgwood two-handled 'Ivory Ware' vase, decorated with fine hand painted gilded accents.
Antique English Porcelain Appraisal - Wedgwood ivory ware porcelains represent a significant part of the legacy of Josiah Wedgwood, one of the most famous English potters in history. These pieces of porcelain are part of a broader tradition of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation that transformed the world of ceramics during the 18th and 19th centuries. Known for their distinctive color and artistry, Wedgwood ivory ware holds a unique place in the history of porcelain, exemplifying the fusion of technical achievement and aesthetic elegance.
Antique English Porcelain Appraisal - Background on Wedgwood and Porcelain Innovation
Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) founded his pottery business in 1759 in Etruria, Staffordshire, England. His vision was to produce pottery of superior quality and design that could rival the best products from Europe, particularly the celebrated porcelain of China and the Meissen factory in Germany. Wedgwood’s determination to create fine wares was accompanied by an intense focus on experimentation and innovation. He was not just a craftsman but a visionary who sought to combine art with industry.
Wedgwood is most famous for his development of "jasperware," a matte stoneware with classical designs, and for his contributions to the development of porcelain techniques. Porcelain production during the 18th century was highly regarded, and Wedgwood sought to expand on the existing methods to make porcelain more accessible, durable, and versatile for both artistic and functional purposes.
The Birth of Ivory Ware
One of the key milestones in Wedgwood’s porcelain legacy was the introduction of his "ivory ware" in the 1770s. Ivory ware was a specific type of soft-paste porcelain characterized by its off-white or cream-colored body. The color itself was one of the distinguishing features of this type of ware, as it closely resembled the appearance of ivory, giving it an elegant and refined quality.
The creation of ivory ware was, in part, a result of Wedgwood’s experiments with various types of clays and glazes. He sought to produce a porcelain body with the qualities of fine Chinese porcelain, but that also possessed the creaminess and warmth of natural materials like ivory. This delicate balance between appearance, durability, and glaze was achieved by incorporating a specific blend of clays and minerals into the porcelain mixture. The result was a fine body that could be molded into intricate forms, much like other porcelain products, but with a softer, subtler color palette that made the pieces stand out from the rest.
Design and Aesthetic of Ivory Ware
The aesthetic of Wedgwood ivory ware is distinctive for its graceful and restrained designs. The soft, muted color of the porcelain served as a perfect backdrop for intricate, often neoclassical decoration. Wedgwood ivory ware was produced in various forms, including vases, bowls, urns, plaques, and even small figurines, all showcasing the refinement of the porcelain.
The decorations on ivory ware often included motifs from classical antiquity, which were a hallmark of Wedgwood’s design philosophy. Wedgwood was particularly influenced by Greek and Roman art, and many of his ivory ware pieces feature neoclassical reliefs depicting gods, goddesses, mythological scenes, and floral patterns. These motifs were typically applied in raised relief or were highlighted in different colors, such as blue, green, or black, to create a striking contrast against the creamy background of the porcelain.
The application of relief decorations also added depth and texture to the surfaces of the pieces. Wedgwood often employed skilled artists and mold makers who could capture the subtleties of classical art. The combination of these designs with the ivory body resulted in a collection of pieces that were both functional and decorative, capable of enhancing any room with their beauty and sophistication.
Popularity and Use
Wedgwood ivory ware became highly sought after during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly among the aristocracy and wealthy middle classes. The appeal of these pieces was multifaceted: they were not only artistically beautiful but also symbolized good taste and a cultured lifestyle. Owning a piece of Wedgwood ivory ware became a mark of social distinction, and the porcelain was often used in prestigious settings, such as grand dining rooms, salons, and drawing rooms.
Additionally, Wedgwood’s production methods allowed for the mass production of these items, making them accessible to a wider audience while still maintaining a sense of exclusivity due to their quality and design. His business acumen, paired with his innovative techniques, allowed Wedgwood to produce high-quality porcelain at a scale that was previously unimaginable. This made Wedgwood porcelain desirable both in Britain and in overseas markets.
One of the reasons for the widespread popularity of Wedgwood ivory ware was the company’s ability to meet the growing demand for decorative and functional ceramics. These porcelain pieces were often used as part of larger table settings, as decorative objects, or as commemorative items. Wedgwood's reputation for quality and craftsmanship helped solidify his brand as a symbol of luxury, and ivory ware was one of the products that showcased his artistic excellence.
The Decline and Legacy of Ivory Ware
By the 19th century, as tastes evolved, the popularity of Wedgwood ivory ware began to wane. The neoclassical aesthetic, which had dominated the design scene in the late 18th century, gave way to new movements such as the Romantic and Victorian styles. As a result, demand for the more restrained, classic forms of ivory ware diminished. However, the legacy of Wedgwood's ivory ware continued to influence future generations of designers and potters.
The preservation of these pieces today continues to reflect the lasting impact of Wedgwood's work. Many of these ivory ware pieces are highly sought after by collectors, historians, and museums around the world. They stand as testaments to the skill and creativity of Wedgwood’s artisans and serve as examples of how porcelain can blend beauty, function, and historical significance.
Collecting Wedgwood Ivory Ware
For collectors of ceramics, Wedgwood ivory ware is particularly prized for its quality, design, and historical significance. Each piece carries with it the legacy of one of the most influential potters in history. Identifying authentic Wedgwood ivory ware can be relatively straightforward, as the pieces are often marked with the Wedgwood stamp, which typically includes the name "Wedgwood" and, at times, a year of production or specific identifying marks. Knowing the different variations in design and form also plays an important role in determining the value of a piece.
Collectors and museums often focus on acquiring specific types of ivory ware, such as limited-edition items or those produced for special occasions, like royal commissions or commemorative pieces. Some ivory ware items were crafted for high-profile customers, including members of the British royal family, and these can fetch considerable prices at auction.
Conclusion
Wedgwood ivory ware porcelain represents an important chapter in the history of ceramic design. Created by the visionary Josiah Wedgwood, it exemplifies the intersection of craftsmanship, art, and innovation. With its soft cream-colored body, delicate relief decorations, and neoclassical inspiration, ivory ware became a symbol of refinement and luxury during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Today, these pieces remain highly coveted by collectors and continue to be admired for their beauty, quality, and the lasting legacy of Wedgwood’s contributions to the ceramic arts.
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