This black jasper dip urn is one of those pieces whose dignity demands display in a place of honor or, perhaps just as accurately, lends honor to any environment that houses it.

Floral swags caught up by small medallions surround the main body. This swag arrangement frames medallions of Apollo and Terpsicore on each side.  A frieze of ivy marks the shoulder of the main body, while laurel leaves around the bottom lead to the foot.  Petal detail around the edge of the foot repeats detail around the edge of the lid.  Decoration on the lid itself is derived from yet another plant, the oak--both in relief sprigs and in the acorn finial. The piece is attached to a plinth base decorated with an anthemion and floral device on each side. 

For the most part we take for granted Wedgwood's choice of sprig relief subjects. Here is the link between Apollo, god of the fine arts, and Terpsichore, muse of choral dance, accidental? Would this urn adorn a drawing room where in the evening amateur musicians would play? Or did a cheeky decorator simply choose two sprigs with delicate lyres that would show off his skill at application?