These fine Wedgwood black basalt encaustic vases emulate ancient Etruscan vases. Depicting goddesses, heroes, and furies, the vases are in the shape of the lebes gamikos, or "nuptial bowl," a form of ancient Greek pottery. Used in marriage ceremonies, these receptacles were thought to have stood by the bride's door and may have been used in a purification ceremony. Painted with red and white encaustic enamels, these vases are exceptional examples of Wedgwood black basalt, the fine-grained stoneware developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1760s, inspired by the hard, natural stone known as Egyptian basalt. Marked "WEDGWOOD."

12 3/8" high

Circa 1800