Wedgwood Black Basalt and Terracotta Teapot, 1988

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A rare and highly collectible wedgwood limited-edition teapot, produced in england in 1988 exclusively for the guild of specialist china … Read more A rare and highly collectible wedgwood limited-edition teapot, produced in england in 1988 exclusively for the guild of specialist china & glass retailers. The production was strictly limited to just 500 pieces, making this an unusual and desirable example for collectors of wedgwood, black basalt and neoclassical ceramics. The teapot is executed in wedgwood's distinctive matte black basalt, dramatically contrasted with richly coloured terracotta-red applied relief decoration. The combination gives the piece a particularly striking appearance, while the extensive classical ornamentation demonstrates the exceptional modelling and decorative craftsmanship associated with wedgwood. The main body features highly detailed classical reliefs depicting flora and ceres, accompanied by trees and scrolling foliage. The reverse presents a further classical offering scene, while the shoulders and lid are decorated with additional figures, cherubs and classical motifs. A radiating palmette or anthemion design completes the decoration around the lid and upper body. The strong contrast between the black basalt ground and the warm terracotta relief makes this a particularly effective display piece. The decoration is crisp and well defined, with excellent retention of the fine relief detail. The underside is impressed "wedgwood" and "made in england", together with the initials "hr", believed to relate to the potter responsible for the piece. This is a substantial, full-size teapot rather than a miniature or purely ornamental example, and it would make an impressive addition to a wedgwood collection or a sophisticated display of neoclassical ceramics. Product specifications maker: wedgwood date: 1988 origin: england collection / issue: the guild of specialist china & glass retailers edition: limited edition of 500 material: black basalt ceramic with applied terracotta relief style: neoclassical decoration: classical figures, flora, ceres, cherubs, foliage, trees, palmette and anthemion motifs marks: impressed "wedgwood", "made in england" and "hr" form: full-size teapot height: 5.5" length: 9" including handle and spout condition: very good vintage condition condition very good vintage condition overall. The main body is pristine, with sharp and well-preserved relief decoration and no chips or cracks. The lid has a very fine, stable hairline firing check, believed to be a manufacturing characteristic originating during the original kiln firing rather than subsequent impact damage. It is stable, does not affect the structural integrity of the lid and does not cause it to sit incorrectly. It is extremely difficult to see without close or magnified inspection and is shown in the photographs. This manufacturing flaw has been taken into consideration in the asking price. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the . Collector's note a particularly unusual wedgwood piece combining black basalt with terracotta relief, produced in a strictly limited edition of only 500 examples. The rarity of the issue, strong neoclassical decoration and excellent condition of the main body make this an appealing piece for the serious wedgwood or british ceramics collector. See less