Ewer 1785 - 1795

This Ewer, standing at just under 8 inches tall, was crafted by Josiah Wedgwood. Wedgwood was not just an artist; he was an astute businessman operating in the burgeoning British Empire. What strikes me is the tension embodied in this object. Wedgwood was committed to abolitionism, yet his wealth was inextricably linked to the exploitation of enslaved people. He aimed to replicate luxury items for the rising middle class, democratizing access to beauty, but also profiting from widespread inequality. The jasperware, with its distinctive sprigged decoration, speaks to his innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive. Consider the object's utility; intended for holding liquid, it speaks to domesticity. But it also engages with broader social structures, reflecting both progressive ideals and the harsh realities of 18th-century commerce. It makes you wonder, can an object be both a symbol of progress and a reminder of historical injustices?