Discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii fueled a cult for all things classical in the late...
Discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii fueled a cult for all things classical in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, evident in this inkstand and pyrophorus vase combination. The two functions are accomodated in a form based on the sort of ancient oil lamps that would been treasured as archeological artifacts.
Even the color combination of basalt and rosso antico was suggestive of Mediterranean artifacts and was utilized again and again by Wedgwood for pieces closely based on ancient models. The simple decoration of a simple laurel band was appropriate for a household object like an oil lamp.
The largest opening in the stand accomodated a separate inkwell which has survived with the piece.