The muffinneer seems to have been a favorite piece of fine dining paraphenalia for the Vic...

The muffinneer seems to have been a favorite piece of fine dining paraphenalia for the Victorians (Americans as well as English). 

Wedgwood's muffineers are often based on an architectural design, topped by a peaked metal fitting--creating a sort of landmark tower from which to sprinkle sugar over one's breakfast selection. 

This piece reins in that bluster.  While the materials remain the same: dark blue jasper dip, silverplate fittings and sprig processional decorations, this piece takes on a more subtle, oriental guise -- unexpected in jasperware.  The profile is a continuous curve, reminiscent of eastern temple bells rather than classical architecture.  The silverplate top is a domed  fitting enhanced with a subtle Japanesque design, more reminiscent of the palace of some eastern mogul than a Christopher Wren church steeple.  

For the decoration, however, Wedgwood relies on its classical formula -- with a pair of  figures taken from Lady Templeton's designs for each side.  

The figures used here are derived from two larger neoclassical tableaus, "Offering to Peac...

The figures used here are derived from two larger neoclassical tableaus, "Offering to Peace" and "A Sacrifice to Cupid," designed by Lady Elizabeth Templeton in the 1780's. It is interesting to note that not only did Wedgwood continue to employ such decoration for an exceptionally long duration, the pottery gained maximum utility from the designs by mining isolated figures from the groups to feature on smaller format items.