Wedgwood's black jasper ground provides dramatic contrast for a series of white sprigs of classical horses and men derived from the Parthenon frieze. The angular profile of the vessel provides a strong base line for the line of riders. The slightly flared collar is finished with a border of acanthus leaves. The metal lid, notched for a jam spoon is Wedgwood's standard plated ware.

No matter how one may judge the propriety of Lord Elgin's "rescue" of the marble relief decorations of the Athenian Parthenon, the lasting impact on the British artist/designer is indisputable. Wedgwood's relief sprigs are direct copies from the frieze, only filling in missing parts and smoothing away the roughness of time. One can only speculate on the level of awareness of the consumer concerning the design source of this breakfast table accessory. One can be certain, however, that the vessel represented a high standard of household taste.