Antique English Blue Jasperware Style Cheese Dome and Stand, Grape Vine Relief, Marked W, 19th Century
This impressive antique blue jasperware-style cheese dome and stand is a fine example of English neoclassical pottery from the 19th century. The set is beautifully decorated with crisp applied white reliefs of grapevines and leaves, a classic decorative theme associated with neoclassical and Victorian design. The dome is topped with an ornate knop modelled as a twisted rope and grape cluster, adding sculptural interest to the form.
The piece is made in unglazed matte blue stoneware, similar in style to the iconic jasperwares produced by leading English potteries of the period. The soft blue body contrasts elegantly with the applied white decoration, emphasising the depth and detail of the vine reliefs. Small ventilation holes are placed around the top of the dome, intended to allow air circulation and preserve the freshness of cheese.
The underside is impressed with the letter 'W' and the number '303', but no definitive maker’s name is present. The quality of the modelling and classical decoration suggests it was made by a skilled English pottery workshop working in the tradition of Wedgwood-inspired jasperware.
This decorative cheese dome serves both as a functional serving piece and a beautiful example of 19th-century English decorative arts, ideal for collectors of jasperware, country house tableware, and Victorian dining pieces.
Historical Background
Unglazed coloured stoneware with applied white bas-relief was first perfected by Josiah Wedgwood in the late 18th century and remained popular well into the 19th century. Many English potteries produced similar jasperware-style wares in the Victorian period, reflecting the continued taste for neoclassical motifs, refined forms, and coloured bodies such as pale blue, sage green, and lilac.
Measurements
Weight: 2211 g
Height (including knop): 23 cm / 9.06″
Overall diameter: 23 cm / 9.06″
Inner diameter (plate recess): 19 cm / 7.48″
Condition
The cheese dome is in very good antique condition, with crisp applied reliefs and a rich, even blue colour. Minor surface irregularities, small firing blemishes, and subtle darker marks are typical of biscuit stoneware and original to its 19th-century hand-crafted production. The stand shows gentle wear, and there are a few tiny glaze skips or firing blemishes. The interior plate has one small chip on the outer rim and two chips on the inner recess rim; these are hidden when the dome is assembled and do not detract from the piece’s charm. The piece remains strong, decorative, and displays beautifully.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling, and postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials.
Customs paperwork provided where necessary for smooth international delivery.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.