Wedgwood slimmed down the ancient amphora form and mounted it on a high curved foot to cre...

Wedgwood slimmed down the ancient amphora form and mounted it on a high curved foot to create one of its most successful shapes for jasperware and basalt, executed here in dark blue jasper dip. The upward flaring side walls form a ground for a frieze of four muses, classical representatives of the arts--the two pairs separated by naturalistic trees and low plant motifs under the handles. From the tapering neck two "trophies" groups, traditional signs of victory in battle, hang from a ribbon topped by a bow.

The success of this form can be guaged by the range of sizes in which it was produced by W...

The success of this form can be guaged by the range of sizes in which it was produced by Wedgwood--from miniature curios to vases large enough to command attention on a pedestal.