The first "Black basalt" body was produced by Wedgwood in 1768 and I believe this bud vase is an early example of the body.  

This vase has been hand thrown rather than moulded and at the neck you can see a spiralling in the clay.  This is an indication that the clay was a little too wet as it was being thrown.  

Also you can see that there is quite a lot of fine surface wear creating a wonderful patina to this piece, the sprigs are particularly fine and the footrim rather thin.  All signs of early work.

The mark has been applied with separate letters and is uneven.  This mark could be interpreted as coming from one of two periods, either 1758-1769 or the later 1780-95.  

The cameos depict two putti representing the arts of literature and music, the muses.  The other scenes are bucolic.  A young girl with her dog, a scene of domestic harmony and a young shepherd boy holding a lamb and with a dog at his feet representing husbandry and harmony with nature.  

The shepherd is a design by Lady Elizabeth Templetown who drew designs for Wedgwood from 1783-1789.  It is called “the bourbonnais shepherd” and is based on a description which appears in "A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy" a popular novel published in 1768 and written by Laurence Sterne. 

I believe this shepherd design was produced circa 1783 which would give the date for this bud vase as also around that date.

These sprigs are of exceptionally find quality and are no doubt the work of Wedgwoods esteemed modeller William Hackwood.

Although there are many bud vases produced, this has quite a unique quality and is certainly a fine and early example of the black basalt body.


Makers marks:
Impressed into base "Wedgwood" plus workmans marks

Height:
13 cm

Weight:
185 g

Age:
250

Condition:
Very good.  Some surface scratches commensurate with its age

Maker:
Wedgwood