Sprite or Zephyr

Trial Medallion
ca. 1780-90 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
The medallion is an experimental one. Wedgwood or his craftsman has used with the technique of lapidary polishing on the blue Jasper ground. This technique is usually seen on gems and hardstones.

Use
Josiah Wedgwood made these medallions in a range of sizes. According to his printed sale catalogue of 1779, the ones of this size were especially suitable 'for inlaying in fine Cabinets, Writing-Tables, Bookcases [etc] of which they form the most beautiful enrichment at moderate Expence.' They were also mounted on wooden and ivory tea canisters, on small boxes for snuff, patches, toothpicks and cards, and were incorporated into cut-steel brooches, bracelets and other jewellery.

Trading
The medallions were sold through Wedgwood's catalogues, through export agents in continental Europe, and direct to British manufacturers.

People
This medallion is one of a group once owned by Ralph Vaughan Williams, the composer, who was a descendent of Josiah Wedgwood.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleSprite or Zephyr
Materials and techniques
Blue dip Jasper medallion with applied moulded figure in white Jasper; parts of the ground have been lapidary polished
Brief description
Medallion of a sprite or zephyr, probably after a design by Thomas Stothard, blue Jasper with white relief and experimental lapidary polishing on the ground, Josiah Wedgwood, Etruria, Staffordshire, probably 1780s.
Physical description
Oval blue Jasper medallion with figure of a sprite or zephyr in low relief in white Jasper
DimensionsHeight largest approx 5 Smallest approx 2 Width largest approx 4 Smallest approx 1.5
Gallery label
(27/03/2003)
British Galleries:
Here, on a blue Jasper medallion, Wedgwood has experimented with the gemstone worker's method of polishing on the ground. This technique was not used on commercial productions. The medallion is one of a large number of experimental pieces by Wedgwood that survive.
Credit line
Given by Mrs Ursula Vaughan Williams
Object history
Formerly Loan: V.Williams.4.
Made at Josiah Wedgwood's factory, Etruria, Staffordshire
Provenance: by descent through the Wedgwood, Darwin and Vaughan Williams families.
Production
Josiah Wedgwood (manufacturer), probably after a design by Thomas Stothard
Summary
Object Type
The medallion is an experimental one. Wedgwood or his craftsman has used with the technique of lapidary polishing on the blue Jasper ground. This technique is usually seen on gems and hardstones.

Use
Josiah Wedgwood made these medallions in a range of sizes. According to his printed sale catalogue of 1779, the ones of this size were especially suitable 'for inlaying in fine Cabinets, Writing-Tables, Bookcases [etc] of which they form the most beautiful enrichment at moderate Expence.' They were also mounted on wooden and ivory tea canisters, on small boxes for snuff, patches, toothpicks and cards, and were incorporated into cut-steel brooches, bracelets and other jewellery.

Trading
The medallions were sold through Wedgwood's catalogues, through export agents in continental Europe, and direct to British manufacturers.

People
This medallion is one of a group once owned by Ralph Vaughan Williams, the composer, who was a descendent of Josiah Wedgwood.
Collection
Accession number
C.85-1999

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Record createdJanuary 27, 2000
Record URL
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