While this match holder and striker are executed in Wedgwood's rich crimson jasper dip, th...

While this match holder and striker are executed in Wedgwood's rich crimson jasper dip, the minimal amount of decoration underscores the functional intention of the piece.  Three sprig groups decorate the cylinder match holder:  a group of three figures with long bows referred to as "The Archers";  two nymphs depicted in the act of stealing Cupid's arrow referred to as "Cupid Asleep"; and "Cupid as Oracle," Cupid playing fortune teller for a maiden. 

An additional band of foliage and berries decorates the foot -- which on the underside serves as the striker. 

Cylinder match holders are easily mistaken for toothpick holders; however, given the strik...

Cylinder match holders are easily mistaken for toothpick holders; however, given the striker surface of the bottom, there can be no doubt of its purpose.  How to use the striker without spilling the matches, on the other hand, may be a skill lost with time.

Due to the technical difficulties in producing the crimson color, production was limited to two relatively short periods.  Given the resulting rarity, it is the most sought after of Wedgwood jasper colors. We always warn novice collectors of possible confusion with Wedgwood's recently produced "wine" color jasper; the more purplish wine occurs as solid jasper, while crimson is always jasper dip.