Creamer

Object NameCreamer

Manufacturer Wedgwood (English (Stoke-on-Trent, England), founded 1759)

Datec. 1790-1795

OriginGreat Britain

MediumJasperware

Dimensions3 1/4 × 5 1/2 in. (8.3 × 14 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Ceramics

Credit LineGift of Ann and Henry Brunnier. In the Ann and Henry Brunnier Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number2.8.108

Status

Not on view

Collections

Decorative Arts

CultureEnglish

Label TextOne of Josiah's Wedgwood's (1730-1795) most notable innovations was "jasperware," a close grained stoneware. Although he first introduced jasperware in 1775 with a white body, Wedgwood continued to improve it and by 1780 he had developed a number of excellent colors using ordinary metallic oxides. Common colors included blue, sage-green, lilac, yellow and black. Originally colors extended throughout the body, but after 1780 pigmentation (known as “jasper dip”) were most commonly applied to the surface of the wares. Although jasper dip more readily accommodated multiple colors, complex combinations remained unusual. This tri-colored milk pitcher was designed with not only a more complicated color combination, but also a rare pastel purple or lavender background. Although Wedgwood tenaciously tried to keep the composition of jasperware secret, contemporary potters soon produced similar bodies in an effort to compete in the ceramics market. The Wedgwood factory continues the production of jasperware.

Markings6D NHS in black pencil; Wedgwood incised in bottom D in blue

Locations