Wedgwood decorates this petite three piece dark olive jasper dip tea set with reliefs...

Wedgwood decorates this petite three piece dark olive jasper dip tea set with reliefs of goddesses, processions and sacrifice on the sugar and teapot.  (The sacrifice with the ram on the teapot is derived from the larger "Sacrifice to Pomona" tableau.)   Images of childhood industry are depicted on the creamer with "The Young Seamstress" and "The Reading Lesson" by Emma Crewe.   

Laurel wreaths circle handles and teapot spout while lids are embellished with a border of acanthus. Despite the small scale of the pieces, the sprigwork overall is exceptionally well detailed and crisp. 

The original use of these sets may seem somewhat puzzling to modern observers; the teapot only holds around one cup of water -- perhaps for an individual tray taken in private. 

 

A close examination of the set will reveal that it has seen some use, though it seems to h...

A close examination of the set will reveal that it has seen some use, though it seems to have been treated relatively well. Visible only with the lids removed are chips on the inside flanges of the teapot and sugar and a chip on the flange of the sugar lid itself. The only exterior flaw is the pinpoint nick on the edge of the sugar lid, as seen in the photographs. Overall, the set makes a fine appearance and is usable.