Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques of the Ships the Great Republic and the Dashing Wave

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Masters of the Seas: A Pair of Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques of Clipper Ships, 1976–81

This magnificent pair of Wedgwood porcelain … Read more Masters of the Seas: A Pair of Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques of Clipper Ships, 1976–81

This magnificent pair of Wedgwood porcelain plaques serves as a tribute to the golden age of sail and the artistry of maritime painting. Dating from 1976–81, these plaques celebrate two iconic American clipper ships: the Great Republic and the Dashing Wave. Each is meticulously rendered on porcelain, a testament to Wedgwood’s enduring reputation for producing works of exceptional quality. The plaques are presented in their original, complementary light wood frames, with a small gilt brass plaque identifying each vessel.

The plaque of the Dashing Wave is a faithful reproduction of a painting by William Bradford, with permission from the Peabody Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. The reverse of the plaque provides historical context for this 1,054-ton clipper, launched in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1853. Known for its unusual square stern, it was a workhorse of the seas, later adapted for the lumber trade before its final fate in 1920.

The second plaque depicts the Great Republic, the largest merchant sailing ship built in the United States at the time of its launch in 1853 by the renowned shipbuilder Donald McKay. This plaque, a reproduction of a painting by an artist named Skillet, details the ship's storied history, including its partial destruction by fire and subsequent rebuilding. It was later purchased by a British company and renamed Denmark, highlighting its long and varied career.

Produced by Wedgwood of Etruria & Barlaston, these plaques are a perfect blend of historical documentation and decorative art. They not only capture the visual splendor of these famous clipper ships—with their towering masts and billowing sails against dynamic seascapes—but also provide a fascinating glimpse into their individual histories. As decorative pieces, they appeal to collectors of maritime art and Wedgwood, while their historical details make them valuable artifacts that commemorate a pivotal era of global trade and naval architecture.

Dimensions: 9 3/4 inches high x 12 1/4 inches wide (24.77 cm x 31.12 cm)

Mark: Wedgwood of Etruria & Barlaston

(Ref: NY9729B-icrx) See less