In this footed green jasper dip spill vase, Wedgwood reflects the cool pomp of late ninete...

In this footed green jasper dip spill vase, Wedgwood reflects the cool pomp of late nineteenth century English life.  The decoration divides into three sections, perfectly proportioned to each other and all based on classical motifs.  The primary design around the lower body is a vertical pattern of alternating bellflower and acanthus.  This is capped with swags of garland caught up in classical rams head devices.  The third section, just below the rim is an arabesque frieze based on stylized honeysuckle.    

 

Such a small, simple piece can be easily overlooked until -- upon close observation -- one...

Such a small, simple piece can be easily overlooked until -- upon close observation -- one realizes this piece reflects a turn of the century  re-assessment and admiration for earlier neoclassical design.  As one surveys the effect of the crisp white motifs against the green ground, one can not help but be reminded of interiors by the Adam brothers.  How fresh and dignified they must have seemed to a generation turning away from a Gilbert and Sullivan brand of operatic Japanism.