Description
A Pair Set of Round Wedgwood Egyptian Jasperware Plaques 4.5cm – Terracotta Jasper on Black – Tutankhamun & Ankhesenamun
This pair of Wedgwood Egyptian Revival round plaques features terracotta jasper relief portraits against black jasper backgrounds, produced as part of Wedgwood’s celebrated Egyptian Collection during the late 1970s Egyptian Revival period.
The plaques depict two of the most recognizable figures associated with ancient Egypt: Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun. Each portrait is rendered in finely detailed raised terracotta jasper relief, contrasting dramatically against the matte black ground. The sculptural detailing is especially effective at this small scale, with crisp modeling visible in the headdresses, collars, facial profiles, and ceremonial elements.
Unlike the previous black-on-terracotta variation, this version reverses the contrast, using warm terracotta relief on black jasperware for a more dramatic and visually architectural presentation. The result feels closer to carved stone or ancient Egyptian wall reliefs while retaining the refined precision associated with Wedgwood jasperware.
These plaques were produced during the international resurgence of interest in ancient Egypt following the Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibitions of the 1970s. Wedgwood responded with a sophisticated series of Egyptian-themed decorative objects incorporating pharaonic imagery, scarabs, lotus motifs, sphinxes, falcons, canopic jars, and royal portraiture.
Wedgwood Jasperware and Egyptian Revival Design
Wedgwood jasperware is one of the company’s most historically important ceramic innovations, developed during the 18th century under Josiah Wedgwood. Unlike glazed ceramics, jasperware uses a matte stoneware body with applied relief decoration, giving pieces a sculptural and cameo-like quality.
The Egyptian Collection adapted this classical Wedgwood technique to archaeological and Egyptian Revival themes. The terracotta and black color combination seen here was especially successful because it evokes the appearance of ancient carved stone, pottery, and temple relief sculpture.
The plaques display beautifully either individually or together and work well framed, mounted, or incorporated into a larger collection of Egyptian Revival decorative arts.
Both examples retain the impressed Wedgwood marks to the reverse.
The collection is documented within the original Wedgwood Egyptian Collection brochure (1978), which outlines the materials, design themes, and structure of the series.
Condition
Good vintage condition with light age-related wear consistent with careful handling and storage. Relief decoration remains crisp and well preserved. Minor surface marks and small signs of age may be present consistent with vintage jasperware. Please review photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
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