To the touch, the solid blue jasper body of this petite creamer has the creamy consistency characteristic of Wedgwood's eighteenth century jasper.  

A band of simple engine turning around the base is complemented by an elaborate cluster of acanthus leaf detail at the base of the nose and a simple reeded detail terminating in a second cluster of  acanthus at the base of the handle.  Together, this ornamentation defines the space for two sprig groups. On one side, chubby frolicking children pause in the midst of some game of barter.  On the reverse, "Poor Maria" weeps, her attentive spaniel nearby.   As might be expected, the relief detail is of exceptional quality.

We are especially fond of one detail -- which disappears in later jasperware versions --  a single tiny butterfly fluttering above each group.

While it in no way detracts from the beauty of this cream jug, one will note some minor firing distortion when viewing the vessel from above or when viewing the spout head-on. One is reminded that for all the finesse of Wedgwood's eighteenth century wares, the state of firing technology still introduced an uncontrolled element of chance.