Wedgwood slimmed down the ancient amphora form and mounted it on a high curved foot to create one of its most successful shapes for jasperware and basalt, executed here in dark blue jasper dip. The upward flaring side walls form a ground for a frieze of four muses, classical representatives of the arts--the two pairs separated by naturalistic trees and low plant motifs under the handles. From the tapering neck two "trophies" groups, traditional signs of victory in battle, hang from a ribbon topped by a bow.

The success of this form can be guaged by the range of sizes in which it was produced by Wedgwood--from miniature curios to vases large enough to command attention on a pedestal.