Jasperware

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A Jasperware copy of the Portland Vase

An American version of jasperware produced c. 1846, depicting Native Americans in a neoclassical style.

Jasperware (or jasper ware) is a form of pottery that has a stoneware body which is either white or colored, which is noted for its matte finish. It was first developed by Josiah Wedgwood and its best known form is the popular blue-and-white ware, but it comes in many other colors. The term 'jasper' is not a personal name in this context (i.e. jasper, not Jasper): it comes from the Greek 'iaspis', itself of oriental origin and related to the Hebrew 'yaspeh', for an opaque variety of quartz, usually red, yellow or brown.

[edit] Dating Jasperware

Wedgwood jasperware can often be dated by the style of potter's marks, although there are exceptions to the rules:

Before 1860: Mark is "Wedgwood". Usually accompanied by other potter markings and a single letter.

After 1860: A three-letter mark represents in order, the month, the potter, and the year. The year code starts mid-alphabet with the letter "O" for 1860, the letter "P" for 1861, etc., returning to "A" after "Z". For certain letters there are two possible year dates.

1891-1908: Marks are "Wedgwood", "England", separated.

1908-1969: Marks are "Wedgwood", "Made in England", separated, or "Wedgwood England" on small objects like thimbles.

1970-present: Mark is "Wedgwood Made in England" as single stamp.

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This article has been tagged since January 2007.