Beautifully scaled and showing perfect judgment in the elements of its design, this pot is a good example of the virtues of eighteenth century jasperware. A slightly flared drum shape is a bit severe in form except for subtle engine-turned fluting at the base and on the lid and foliage details--most likely acanthus--on the handle and spout. The smooth sides are ornamented with figures from the "Domestic Employment" series in sharp relief; both sides showing maidens tenderly caring for younger children. (This theme of nurturing may be relected as well in the figure of the mother sheep nursing its lamb--between the stand of flowers and the spout.) The lid is topped by a blue sphere, ringed by a band of white and surrounded by a ring of pointed leaves and tiny white balls. The pot is rich in detail, but still understated and elegant.

Lady Elizabeth Templetown and Emma Crewe were amateur artists whose charming designs for Wedgwood include "The Sewing Lesson" (Crewe) and "Domestic Employment" (Templetown)--maidens and children engaged in household activities. The designs were adapted into relief by one of Wedgwood's modellers, likely the busy William Hackwood.

Sadly, with the passage of time there are fewer and fewer examples of eighteenth century Wedgwood jasper on the market. I don't mean to diminish the appeal of later work, but the opportunity to own an early example--even for a short while--is an experience to cherish. The forms--refined and often tastefully accented with engine turning. The slight tinge of grey in the blue pieces. The relief, crisp and deep. And yes, the cliche comparison is still the most accurate--the surface does feel like a baby's bottom.