Wedgwood 7cm Ankhesenamun Black Basalt Pendant Necklace Boxed

Description

Wedgwood 7cm Ankhesenamun Black Basalt Pendant Necklace Boxed

This elegant Wedgwood Egyptian Revival necklace features a large 7 cm black basalt medallion portraying Ankhesenamun in luminous gilt relief against a rich matte black ground. Combining sculptural simplicity with highly stylized Egyptian ornament, the pendant reflects the refined side of the late twentieth century Egyptomania movement that influenced jewellery, interiors, fashion, and decorative arts during the 1970s and early 1980s.

Unlike smaller Wedgwood pendants produced during the same period, this example has substantial scale and visual presence. Measuring approximately 7 cm (about 2.75 inches) in diameter, the medallion functions almost like a miniature decorative plaque suspended from its original gilt chain.

The portrait itself is particularly striking. Ankhesenamun appears in elegant profile wearing an elaborate headdress and broad collar while holding a stylized lotus-form element associated with ancient Egyptian symbolism and decorative design. The graceful linear composition recalls both ancient Egyptian relief carving and the streamlined glamour of Art Deco Egyptian Revival aesthetics from the earlier twentieth century.

The pendant remains housed in its original Wedgwood presentation box and retains its original gilt chain measuring approximately 28 inches (71.1 cm) long. The reverse is impressed:

WEDGWOOD
MADE IN
 ENGLAND

The necklace appears never used and remains in very good vintage condition with strong gilt decoration and clean surfaces.

The broader history of these late twentieth century Wedgwood jewellery designs, including original period brochure material discussing jasper jewellery and black basalt production, is explored further in our accompanying article on Wedgwood Jasper Jewellery in the Egyptian Revival era.

Egyptian Revival Elegance in Black Basalt

Wedgwood’s Egyptian jewellery from this period occupies an interesting space between fashion accessory and decorative art. Rather than reproducing archaeological objects literally, the company distilled ancient Egyptian imagery into highly graphic compositions suited to modern jewellery design.

Black basalt proved especially effective for these interpretations. Developed originally by Josiah Wedgwood during the eighteenth century, the material is a dense unglazed stoneware with a smooth matte finish that captures relief decoration with remarkable crispness.

For Egyptian motifs, the contrast between matte black basalt and gold ornament created a dramatic visual effect reminiscent of ancient ceremonial objects while remaining unmistakably modern in presentation.

The clean circular form of this medallion further enhances the sculptural quality of the design. Even displayed within the original box, the piece carries the presence of a miniature wall plaque or museum reproduction rather than conventional costume jewellery.

Ankhesenamun and the Romantic Imagination of Ancient Egypt

Although Tutankhamun became the central figure of twentieth century Egyptomania, fascination with ancient Egyptian queens also grew during the period. Figures such as Ankhesenamun and Nefertiti came to symbolize beauty, elegance, mystery, and royal refinement within popular culture and decorative design.

Museum exhibitions, books, films, and fashion editorials helped shape this romantic vision of ancient Egypt. Designers across multiple industries responded by incorporating Egyptian profiles, lotus forms, geometric collars, and stylized headdresses into modern decorative objects.

Wedgwood’s interpretation captures that atmosphere particularly well. The pendant does not attempt archaeological realism. Instead, it presents an idealized and highly decorative vision of Egyptian royalty translated into wearable ceramic art.

A Statement Necklace from the Height of Egyptomania

Oversized medallions and historically inspired jewellery became highly fashionable during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This pendant reflects that moment perfectly. The long gilt chain allows the basalt plaque to hang prominently, emphasizing both scale and dramatic contrast.

The size also separates this example from many smaller Wedgwood Egyptian pendants encountered today. At approximately 7 cm, it has stronger display impact and a more architectural quality than more delicate jewellery forms.

Surviving examples accompanied by their original Wedgwood presentation boxes are increasingly difficult to find, particularly in apparently unused condition with well-preserved gilt surfaces.