An American version of jasperware produced c. 1846, depicting Native Americans in a neoclassical style.
Jasperware vase and cover,
John Flaxman, Wedgwood, England, About 1780, Unglazed stoneware
V & A Museum no. 2416-1901
[1] Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Jasperware, or jasper ware, is a type of stoneware first developed by Josiah Wedgwood, although some authorities have described it as a type of porcelain[2]. It is noted for its matte finish and is produced in a number of different colours,[3] of which the best known is a pale blue that has become known as 'Wedgwood Blue'[4].
The term "jasper" is not the personal name Jasper in this context, but the name of a mineral; it comes from the Greek ἴασπις iaspis, itself of oriental origin and related to the Hebrew ישפה yashpeh, for an opaque variety of quartz, usually red, yellow or brown.
[edit] Dating Jasperware
Wedgwood jasperware can often be dated by the style of potter's marks, although there are exceptions to the rules:
- Before 1860: Mark is "Wedgwood". Usually accompanied by other potter markings and a single letter.
- After 1860: A three-letter mark represents in order, the month, the potter, and the year. The year code starts mid-alphabet with the letter "O" for 1860, the letter "P" for 1861, etc., returning to "A" after "Z". For certain letters there are two possible year dates.
- 1891-1908: Marks are "Wedgwood", "England", separated.
- 1908-1969: Marks are "Wedgwood", "Made in England", separated, or "Wedgwood England" on small objects like thimbles.
- 1970-present: Mark is "Wedgwood Made in England" as single stamp
[edit] Wedgwood
Wedgwood's main designs are jasperware and black basalt.[5] Many of the Wedgwood designs were based on the art of making cameo glass and on the looks of The Portland Vase.
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