Wedgwood successfully experiments with an uncommon shape and a variety of  border designs for this large yellow-buff and black jasper dip vase.  Narrow rings of uncolored stoneware divide the vase into four sections: neck and rim, main body, base, and foot.  Three bands of black sprigging decorate the neck and turned down rim; a petal pattern around the top, a band of fruiting grapevine around the neck, and a smaller band of rope motif beneath the vine. In contrast the central section is unadorned--allowing proper appreciation of the attractive buff tone.

The vase and foot are made in two pieces and bolted together.  The section beneath the lower ring of the vase is enhanced with a black foliage motif reminiscent of Wedgwood's bellflower and acanthus.  A ring of black rope sprigging at the top of the foot seems to bundle together this sprig decoration, which spreads below to cover the foot.

Not the most typical ornament strategy for Wedgwood, but certainly an effective one, reflective of simpler modern design trends.

Obviously Wedgwood collectors depend upon the progression of marks when determining the vintage of a piece. However, we are in a bit of a quandary here.  Robin Reilly gives a 1929-1932 time period for wares in this combination of yellow-buff jasper and black ornaments.  On the other hand, the WEDGWOOD (only) mark would generally indicate pre-1891 manufacture.  Whichever time period is correct, Reilly notes that the combination was only made in small quantities.