Sugar bowl with lid c. 19th century

This sugar bowl with lid was made by Wedgwood. Though undated, its design and manufacture speak volumes. Wedgwood was the superstar of the 18th-century ceramics industry. He didn't just make luxury goods, he systemized their production. This piece is made of Jasperware, which was created through meticulous processes of mixing, firing, and polishing. Its distinctive matte finish and classical motifs were both a technical achievement and a savvy branding strategy. The sprigged decoration, resembling ancient cameos, speaks to Wedgwood’s ambition to elevate ceramics to the level of fine art. Yet, his true genius lay in understanding the market. Wedgwood skillfully tapped into the rising middle class’s desire for refined taste and luxury. Looking closely at this sugar bowl, we can see the imprint of both artistry and industry. It invites us to consider the complex relationship between craft, design, and the burgeoning forces of capitalism.