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Green Jasper:
Wedgwood ware. By far the most important name connected with the potteries of Staffordshire is that of Josiah Wedgwood, who in 1759 inherited a pottery at Burslem near Stoke-on-Trent. In 1769 he opened his celebrated factory in Burslem which he called "Etruria." Wedgwood was a genius of intense energy; he was one of the first men to unite art and industry. He was a remarkable chemist and antiquarian and sought the most beautiful specimens of antique pottery as models. He employed the best talent available and was willing to pay for it.
As he lived in the age of Robert Adam, he took advantage of the classical influence that spread over England, and produced pottery that harmonized with the Adam designs for furniture and decoration. He introduced several new types of pottery and was constantly alive to new opportunities. Wedgwood's greatest fame rests upon his jasper ware, a dull white biscuit capable of being colored and ornamented. The colors of the field were blue, olive green, black, lilac, or sage. The Ornaments invariably were white, and usually showed Greek ornamental motifs or figures draped in graceful robes. This particular product obtained immense popularity for interior decorative purposes. As separate free-standing shelf and Table ornaments, as panel insertions in walls, mantels, and door trim, and as furniture appliques in the designs of Hepplewhite and Sheraton, the jasper ware was used repeatedly. One of the most famous of the Wedgwood pieces was his reproduction in jasper ware of the famous "Portland vase," a glass relic of an unknown art found in a sarcophagus in Rome and now in the British Museum. John Flaxman, the sculptor, worked for Wedgwood and was responsible for the design of many of the most beautiful examples of jasper ware.Astrological sij of significance frequently appear on such tal manic rings. Great curative power was suppoi to be possessed by certain mystic rings earn by physicians of olden times: they are known medicinal rings; Galen (fl. 2d "century A.D.) w renowned as a doctor and tells of an Egypti king's green jasper amulet which had in it a design representing a dragon surrounded by rays. He said that it was a most potent remedial agent for the digestive organs.
An immense number of figures were made in Staffordshire, the bulk of them being for cottage Decoration and of a crude or rustic character. Portraits were modelled from life and pictures. Toby jugs, allegorical figures, sentimental arbor groups, and humorous subjects were produced in color, black, and cream ware. The figures made by Ralph Wood in the third quarter of the century are particularly well known. Others who made Staffordshire figures were Voyez Nealeolo, Enoch Wood, Wood and Caldwell, Wilson, Lakin, and Poole. Walton, Salt, and Dale were the best known Staffordshire potters of the 19th century. Wedgwood ware. By far the most important name connected with the potteries of Staffordshire is that of Josiah Wedgwood, who in 1759 inherited a pottery at Burslem near Stoke-on-Trent. In 1769 he opened his celebrated factory in Burslem which he called "Etruria." Wedgwood was a genius of intense energy; he was one of the first men to unite art and industry. He was a remarkable chemist and antiquarian and sought the most beautiful specimens of antique pottery as models. He employed the best talent available and was willing to pay for it. As he lived in the age of Robert Adam, he took advantage of the classical influence that spread over England, and produced pottery that harmonized with the Adam designs for furniture and decoration. He introduced several new types of pottery and was constantly alive to new opportunities. Wedgwood's greatest fame rests upon his jasper ware, a dull white biscuit capable of being colored and ornamented. The colors of the field were blue, olive green, black, lilac, or sage. The Ornaments invariably were white, and usually showed Greek ornamental motifs or figures draped in graceful robes. This particular product obtained immense popularity for interior decorative purposes. As separate free-standing shelf and Table ornaments, as panel insertions in walls, mantels, and door trim, and as furniture appliques in the designs of Hepplewhite and Sheraton, the jasper ware was used repeatedly. One of the most famous of the Wedgwood pieces was his reproduction in jasper ware of the famous "Portland vase," a glass relic of an unknown art found in a sarcophagus in Rome and now in the British Museum. John Flaxman, the sculptor, worked for Wedgwood and was responsible for the design of many of the most beautiful examples of jasper ware.
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