Description
Wedgwood Egyptian Collection Tutankhamun Jasper Plaque 3cm Black on Terracotta 1977
This small Wedgwood Egyptian Collection plaque from 1977 features a finely sculpted profile portrait of Tutankhamun rendered in black relief against a terracotta jasper ground. Despite its compact 3 cm size, the plaque displays impressive detail throughout the headdress, collar, and facial profile, capturing the stylized elegance associated with ancient Egyptian art.
Produced during the renewed international fascination with ancient Egypt following the major Tutankhamun exhibitions of the 1970s, pieces such as this formed part of Wedgwood’s Egyptian Revival designs, combining classical jasperware craftsmanship with archaeological inspiration.
The strong contrast between the matte black relief and warm terracotta body creates a dramatic visual effect that gives the small plaque a surprisingly sculptural presence.
Wedgwood Jasperware and the Egyptian Revival
Unlike Wedgwood black basalt, which was commonly paired with gilt decoration, this plaque is executed in jasperware using applied black relief decoration over a terracotta jasper body. Wedgwood jasperware is celebrated for its matte finish and sharply defined relief work, allowing fine detail without the use of glaze.
During the late 1970s, Wedgwood revisited Egyptian themes in response to the enormous public interest generated by international Tutankhamun exhibitions. The resulting Egyptian Collection included plaques, boxes, plates, vases, and decorative objects featuring imagery associated with pharaohs, falcons, scarabs, lotus motifs, and ancient Egyptian symbolism.
The portrait shown here follows the idealized profile style associated with Egyptian wall reliefs and ceremonial art. The simplified silhouette and restrained color palette give the plaque both an archaeological and modernist character.
Design and Collectibility
Small plaques such as this were often collected as decorative cabinet objects or displayed alongside larger pieces from the Wedgwood Egyptian Collection. Because of their scale, they work particularly well in grouped arrangements, shadow boxes, or curated collections of Egyptian Revival decorative arts.
The plaque retains a refined balance between classical Wedgwood production and the bold visual language of ancient Egypt, making it appealing both to Wedgwood collectors and collectors of Egyptian Revival design.
The reverse carries the impressed Wedgwood Made in England mark along with the date mark “77,” confirming production in 1977.
Condition
Good vintage condition with light age-related wear consistent with careful storage and handling. The black applied relief remains well preserved with no major losses observed. Minor surface wear may be present consistent with age. Please review photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
