Description
Wedgwood Egyptian Collection Miniature Plates Set of Four – Bird, Sphinx, Crocodiles & Pharaoh
This set of four Wedgwood Egyptian Collection miniature plates in black jasper with terracotta relief decoration brings together four coordinated Egyptian motifs from the Wedgwood Collectors Society series: Bird, Sphinx, Crocodiles, and Pharaoh. Each plate features a different central relief design set against Wedgwood’s matte black jasper body, creating a striking contrast between the dark ground and warm terracotta decoration.
Although each miniature plate was issued individually, offering the four designs together creates a much stronger visual and collectible presentation. The shared scale, material, fluted border design, and Egyptian subject matter allow the group to function as a unified cabinet display rather than isolated individual pieces.
The accompanying certificate retained with the Sphinx example identifies it as “The Wedgwood Sphinx Miniature Plate” and states that the terracotta on black jasper miniature plate was issued exclusively by The Wedgwood Collectors Society in a worldwide edition of 5,000. The certificate is signed by John M. Mohin, Managing Director of Waterford Wedgwood Australia Limited.
Wedgwood described these as miniature plates, but their shallow form also allows them to function visually as small trays, pin dishes, catchalls, or decorative display pieces.
A Coordinated Egyptian Revival Grouping
This set reflects Wedgwood’s continued engagement with Egyptian Revival design, using ancient motifs interpreted through the company’s familiar jasperware language. The Bird, Sphinx, Crocodiles, and Pharaoh designs each draw from a different symbolic area of Egyptian art, including royal imagery, animal symbolism, guardian figures, and dynastic portraiture.
The Sphinx motif carries associations with guardianship and royal authority. The Crocodiles design recalls the strong presence of crocodile imagery in Egyptian mythology, often connected with Sobek. The Bird design may be read within the broader tradition of Egyptian falcon or sacred bird imagery, while the Pharaoh profile anchors the group in royal identity and dynastic symbolism.
Together, the four miniature plates create a compact survey of Egyptian Revival imagery: human, animal, mythic, and royal. This gives the set more visual and thematic strength than a single plate displayed alone.
Material and Craftsmanship
The plates are made in black jasper with applied terracotta relief decoration, a material combination closely associated with Wedgwood’s Egyptian-themed production. The matte black surface gives the pieces an architectural, almost archaeological quality, while the terracotta relief adds warmth and sculptural contrast.
Each plate has a fluted border that frames the central motif and adds visual depth to the shallow form. The relief decoration remains crisp and well defined across the set, with clear detailing in the profile, animal forms, and symbolic figures.
All four examples are marked Wedgwood Made in England to the reverse, with individual production letters. The Sphinx example retains its original Wedgwood presentation box and accompanying certificate.
Condition
All four miniature plates are in good vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or restorations observed. The terracotta relief decoration remains intact and well preserved across the set. Light surface wear consistent with age and careful handling may be present.
The original Wedgwood box and certificate are included for the Sphinx miniature plate only.
