Wedgwood
Distinguished House of Wedgwood
Dancing Hours Bowl
- Gift Boxed
- Width: 26cm
- White on Black Jasper
Perhaps the best-known of all the Wedgwood bas-reliefs is the 'Dancing Hours'. The design is attributed to John Flaxman jnr (1755-1826). During the 18th and 19th centuries John Flaxman jnr was renowned throughout Europe not only for his book illustrations, but also for his designs for pottery, and silverware. He was also a prolific sculptor. Flaxman's association with Wedgwood began through his father, John Flaxman snr (1726-1795), and by 1771 he had come to the specific notice of Josiah Wedgwood I.
It is not known precisely when the world famous 'Dancing Hours' relief originated - however a reference made by Josiah Wedgwood I in a letter dated to 1776 reads, "No 242 is from a drawing you sent for Vases to paint, which we find likewise very suitable for Bas-reliefs particularly for the Dancing hours..." The original inspiration for this world-famous frieze is a chimney-piece of white marble against a blue lapis ground, formerly in the Palazzo Borghese in Rome.
In the 18th century it was installed in Moor Park, Herefordshire, seat of Sir Lawrence Dundas. The chimney-piece is now in the Lady Lever Gallery, Port Sunlight. The 'Dancing Hours' depicts the classical 'Horae', the personifications of the seasons or hours of the day. The bas-reliefs have appeared in varying sizes on a wide range of ornamental and decorative items.
In later years the figures were more heavily draped to conceal their 'charms', and it is in this form that they are still produced today. White on black Jasper has long been a popular combination, and nothing can be more dramatic. The strong contrast serves to highlight every detail of the white bas-reliefs which are skilfully moulded and applied by hand, as they were in the time of Josiah Wedgwood I.
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