84 ACCOUNTS, ETC., OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 



includes examples of almost all Wedgwood's manufactures, 

 from the cream ware table-services to the most elaborate 

 ornamental works in jasper wares of various colours. 



Among the latter a remarkable set of green vases with bas 

 reliefs in white and a series of plaques with ornament in relief 

 on blue, green or black grounds are most conspicuous ; while 

 the most interesting individual specimen is a copy of the 

 Portland vase in black and white jasper ware, numbered 4, and 

 belonging to the first issue of these celebrated reproductions. 



The blue and white jasper ware includes sets of vases, 

 several rare objects with figures modelled in the round used as 

 candlesticks and lamps, besides flower-pots, ink-pots, salt-cellars, 

 wine-coolers and tea wares, which show the application of this 

 fine material to daily use. The black " basaltes," or Egyptian 

 black, ware is represented by a remarkable vase on a drum 

 pedestal, with subject (the crowning of a Kitharist modelled by 

 Flaxman from the antique) in low relief, the cover surmounted 

 by a figure of Pegasus ; two ewers with emblematic figures of 

 Wine and Water, also by Flaxman ; a few small vases and a 

 series of busts, including Flaxman's Mercury. The same black 

 material forms the ground for " encaustic " painting in dull 

 enamels, after the Etruscan vases ; and there are a few examples 

 of red reliefs on a black ground. 



The useful wares are chiefly in the form of plates and dessert 

 dishes in cream ware, and pearl or Avhite ware, decorated with 

 painting, printing and, more rarely, with lustre marbling. 

 Another use of the cream ware is shown in a series of marbled 

 vases imitating agate and other variegated stones, the mottled 

 eff'ect being produced by coloured clays, either applied in a 

 liquid state to the surface or incorporated in the body. 



Among the most beautiful productions of Wedgwood's 

 factory are the smaller articles in coloured jasper wares and 

 white biscuit, such as cameos, intaglios, portrait medallions 

 and plaquettes. The Falcke Collection contains a rich series 

 of these, many of them set in facetted steel or mounted in 

 writing-boxes, clocks, watches, snufl'-boxes, etuis and chatelaines, 

 illustrating the uses for which these dainty objects were 

 destined. 



The designs of John Flaxman are well represented, and 

 include proofs of two important bas-reliefs and of a number 

 of portrait medallions, besides a few original waxes. Other 

 artists whose designs occur are Lady Templetown, Miss Crewe, 

 Lady Diana Beauclerck, Mrs. Landre, Hoskins, Tassie, 

 Hackwood, Webber, Pacetti, Davaere and Dalmazzoni. 



The bulk of the collection belongs to the best period of 

 Wedgwood manufacture, viz., from 1760-1800, and most of it 

 was acquired by Mr. Falcke before 1856. 



The munificent gift of Mr. and Mrs, Falcke is all the more 

 welcome as the Wedgwood Collection in the Museum, though 

 choice, was previously very small. It is now probably the 

 finest in existence. 



