Some ceramic designs utilizing the fashionable bamboo motif demonstrate respect for the structural qualities of the actual wooden stalks. With this black basalt kettle, however, Wedgwood presents potential clients with a playful fantasy construction -- a smartly curving vessel that could never be achieved in actual bamboo. Since the European tradition of borrowing Asian motifs is more based on whimsy than actual observation, the improbable form seems absolutely "right." The impressed mark of the fashionable London retailer John Mortlock underscores a focus on fashion as much as accuracy or utility.

Wedgwood tea ware designs generally encompass entire assortments of tea accoutrements from teapot through cups and saucers.  However this black basalt tea kettle seems to be unique.  There are no additional "matching" wares.

Japanese bronzes shown at the London International Exhibition of 1862 stimulated interest in basalt which shared the same dark lustrous surface. This surge may be responsible for the development of this unique design.

An exhibition sticker on the bottom of the kettle documents its inclusion in the 1976 Wedgwood from California Collections exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.