Wedgwood decorates this black jasper dip vase with a relief attributed to eighteenth century artist John Flaxman Jr.  Circling the base of this tapered cylinder is a continuous procession of winged putti carrying swags of garland.  Close examination reveals the artist's presence in the modelling of the boys, each of which conveys his own distinct sense of personality.  A delicate band of laurel finishes the composition with a ring around the neck just below the rim.

While certainly classical, one suspects a renaissance or baroque source for Flaxman's inspiration rather than ancient.

Putti are distinguished from cherubs by their secular, rather than religious roles. Pals of Cupid, they assist him in his amorous missions.

Elizabeth Bryding Adams in her catalog of the Beeson collection at the Birmingham (Alabama) Museum of Art illustrates two eighteenth century jasper tablets bearing this frieze decoration (cats.565, 567), as well as two Wedgwood and Bentley basalt adaptations of the design (cats.125, 126). Alternative titles are noted above.