Wedgwood Black Basalt Antique Teapot, Circa 1790

This exquisite antique teapot from Wedgwood, made in the late 18th century, is made from black basalt, a material long recognised as one of the firm's finest creations. The teapot features a guilloche body with a rare basketwork pattern adorning the body, spout and handle. The handle is C-shaped, the spout is straight and the rim is raised. The body of the pot is divided into two halves by horizontal bands, with both halves and the spout decorated with fluting. The lid is topped with a knob in the shape of a seated, draped woman, often called the ‘widow’.
Teapots of this type are highly sought-after and are exhibited in the most prestigious museums. A similar teapot, for example, is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum:
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O149003/teapot-josiah-wedgwood-and/
Black basalt is a type of pottery made from a mixture of clay and other materials that produce a black body when fired in a kiln. It is turned or press-moulded in the same way as other types of pottery. The history of basalt goes back to the Iron Age, when certain naturally black clays were used. In the 18th century, the process was refined, with the best formula being developed by Josiah Wedgwood around 1767. This formula was quickly copied and many companies produced basalt objects in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Wedgwood continued to produce until the end of the 20th century.
Black basalt was popular for several reasons. It resembles ancient bronze, making it suitable for busts; it also resembles ancient Greek vases, which Wedgwood reproduced using ‘encaustic’ painting techniques. In addition, this dark material enhanced the whiteness of ladies' hands, making it a popular choice for tea ware. The finest basalt is a very refined and beautiful material, highly prized by collectors, particularly those with a preference for neoclassical styles. Its ability to accommodate clean, detailed decoration makes it particularly suited to this style of form and ornamentation.
Wedgwood pottery has been in business for over 250 years. Founded in 1759 in England by Josiah Wedgwood, the company quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality pottery and innovative designs. In the early years, Josiah Wedgwood set out to create new types of pottery in response to changing market demand. He introduced a range of new techniques, including transfer printing, which allowed complex designs to be applied quickly and easily. One of Wedgwood's most famous innovations was the Jasperware line, introduced in the 1770s. Over the years, Wedgwood has continued to innovate and introduce new designs. The company is renowned worldwide for its exceptional pottery and remains highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts.
Dimensions : Length from handle to tip of spout: 23.5 cm, Height: 13.5 cm, Depth: 13.5 cm.
Condition: Two small chips on the upper edge, one chip on the lower edge and one chip on the tip of the beak. The end of the spout has been restored. Otherwise the teapot is in good condition.
Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.