Vintage Wedgwood Light Blue Jasperware Cupid and Psyche Oval Tray

Details

Description

A stunning example of Wedgwood's celebrated jasperware craftsmanship, this vintage oval plate showcases the timeless Cupid and Psyche pattern in … Read more A stunning example of Wedgwood's celebrated jasperware craftsmanship, this vintage oval plate showcases the timeless Cupid and Psyche pattern in exquisite detail. The piece features Wedgwood's signature neoclassical design rendered in their iconic tri-color palette: classic light blue, deeper Portland blue accents, and crisp white relief details.
The romantic mythological scene depicts Cupid and Psyche in beautiful raised white cameo relief against the serene blue ground, exemplifying the neoclassical style that made Wedgwood famous. The delicate white figures stand out magnificently against the layered blue tones, creating remarkable depth and visual interest.
Story: A princess so beautiful that mortals worshipped her instead of Venus, the jealous goddess commanded her son Cupid to curse Psyche—but he fell in love with her instead. An oracle decreed Psyche must marry a monster, so she was abandoned on a mountaintop, only to be carried by winds to a magnificent hidden palace. Each night a mysterious husband came to her in darkness, his voice tender and touch divine, but he forbade her to see his face. Her jealous sisters convinced her he must be a serpent, so one night she lit a lamp and discovered Cupid himself—but a drop of hot oil burned him, and he fled, heartbroken by her broken trust. Desperate to win him back, Psyche endured impossible trials set by Venus: sorting grains, gathering deadly fleece, fetching water from the Styx, and descending to the underworld for a box of beauty. When curiosity made her open the forbidden box, she fell into deathlike sleep. Cupid, healed and unable to live without her, found Psyche and woke her with a kiss. He carried her to Olympus where Jupiter made her immortal and blessed their union. Before all the gods, Psyche and Cupid married at last, their love tested by suffering and proven eternal.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks. The jasperware surface retains its original matte finish and the white relief details remain sharp and well-defined. This piece has been beautifully preserved and is ready to display or add to your collection.
Details

Maker: Wedgwood, England
Pattern: Cupid and Psyche
Dimensions: 10 inches (length)
Shape: Oval
Colors: Tri-color - Light Blue, Portland Blue, and White
Style: Neoclassical
Technique: Blue and white pottery with raised relief
Backstamp: Impressed Wedgwood mark

About Wedgwood Jasperware
Wedgwood jasperware represents the pinnacle of English ceramic artistry and remains one of the most celebrated and collected forms of pottery worldwide. Developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1770s, jasperware quickly gained royal patronage and international acclaim. Queen Charlotte became an early admirer, leading to Wedgwood receiving the title "Potter to Her Majesty."
Wedgwood pieces are held in prestigious collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The jasperware technique—featuring classical figures in white relief against colored backgrounds—became so iconic that it influenced decorative arts across Europe and America.
This tri-color variation with its Portland blue accents is particularly rare and desirable among serious collectors, representing a more complex and labor-intensive production process than standard two-color jasperware. The Cupid and Psyche motif draws from classical mythology and exemplifies the neoclassical movement's influence on Georgian decorative arts.
Perfect for display as a museum-quality piece, as an elegant serving plate for special occasions, or as a distinguished centerpiece in any serious Wedgwood or English pottery collection. See less