1930s Wedgwood Jasperware Covered Sugar Bowl in Classical Blue With White Neoclassical Relief

Details

Description

…Exquisite 18th Century Design Heritage
This elegant Wedgwood Jasperware covered sugar bowl exemplifies the timeless elegance of British ceramic artistry. … Read more …Exquisite 18th Century Design Heritage
This elegant Wedgwood Jasperware covered sugar bowl exemplifies the timeless elegance of British ceramic artistry. Featuring the iconic classical blue ground with crisp white neoclassical relief decoration, this piece represents over 260 years of pottery excellence.
Measurements

Height: 4" (with lid)
Width: 5"
Depth: 5"

Condition
Superb condition with no chips, cracks, or restoration. Both bowl and lid are in pristine state. The relief details remain sharp and well-defined, and the signature blue ground retains its beautiful matte finish. Lid fits perfectly.
Provenance
This exceptional covered sugar bowl is part of a curated collection acquired from a distinguished estate sale in East Hampton, New York. Several matching pieces from this Jasperware collection are available, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire coordinated examples that have been preserved together for generations in a historic Long Island estate.

The Wedgwood Legacy
Founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood in Staffordshire, England, Wedgwood revolutionized ceramic production and design. Josiah Wedgwood was not merely a potter but an innovative entrepreneur who transformed pottery from a craft into an art form, earning him the title "father of English potters."
The Birth of Jasperware
Introduced in 1775 after years of experimentation, Jasperware became Wedgwood's most celebrated creation. This unglazed stoneware was revolutionary—a entirely new ceramic body that could be stained throughout with mineral oxides to create rich colors. The classical blue, known as "Wedgwood Blue," became the company's signature shade and remains one of the most recognizable colors in decorative arts.
Neoclassical Inspiration
The white relief decorations on Jasperware were directly inspired by classical Greek and Roman art, particularly cameos and Portland Vase designs. Wedgwood employed talented artists and modelers, including John Flaxman, to create these delicate bas-relief designs featuring:

Classical figures and mythological scenes
Festoons and swags
Acanthus leaves and palmettes
Dancing maidens and cherubs


Cultural & Historical Significance
The Neoclassical Movement
This sugar bowl embodies the late 18th-century Neoclassical movement that swept through Europe and America. As archaeological discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum captivated the public imagination, there was a revival of interest in classical antiquity. Wedgwood capitalized on this enthusiasm, making classical art accessible to the growing middle class.
Symbol of Refinement
Owning Wedgwood Jasperware was a mark of sophistication and cultural refinement. The company's pieces adorned the tables of royalty, aristocrats, and discerning collectors. Queen Charlotte became such an admirer that Wedgwood received the royal warrant, earning the right to call his creamware "Queen's Ware."
The Tea Service Ritual
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the tea service was central to social life, particularly among the upper classes. A covered sugar bowl was an essential component of the proper tea table, reflecting both the value of sugar (once a luxury commodity) and the ceremony of tea service. This piece would have graced elegant afternoon teas and formal gatherings, serving as both functional ware and a display of taste and status.
Influence on Design
Wedgwood's aesthetic influence cannot be overstated:

Interior Design: Jasperware's color palette inspired room schemes, textile patterns, and architectural details
Fashion: The neoclassical motifs influenced clothing, jewelry, and accessories
Collectibility: Jasperware established the concept of collecting decorative ceramics as both art and investment

Industrial Revolution Pioneer
Wedgwood was among the first to apply industrial methods to pottery production while maintaining artistic quality. His innovations in marketing, quality control, and division of labor set standards that shaped modern manufacturing.

Why This Piece Matters Today
This covered sugar bowl represents more than functional ware—it's a tangible connection to the Enlightenment era's ideals of beauty, reason, and classical perfection. In contemporary interiors, Wedgwood Jasperware:

Bridges Traditional and Modern: The clean lines and monochromatic palette complement both period and contemporary settings
Adds Sophisticated Color: The distinctive blue provides a refined accent that never goes out of style
Versatile Display: Perfect for its original purpose, as a jewelry box, or as a decorative object
Tells a Story: Each piece carries centuries of artistic and cultural heritage
Investment Quality: Wedgwood Jasperware continues to appreciate in value, especially pristine examples with lids intact

Whether displayed on a sideboard, used for elegant entertaining, or featured in a curated collection, this Wedgwood Jasperware covered sugar bowl brings museum-quality artistry into daily life. It's a celebration of craftsmanship, classical beauty, and enduring design—a true masterpiece of ceramic art.

Perfect for collectors of English ceramics, admirers of neoclassical design, or anyone seeking to add timeless elegance to their home. Pairs beautifully with the matching teapot and other pieces from this East Hampton collection. See less