1 of 7

Sea Lion, by John Skeaping. Wedgwood C1925.

$800List Price

About the Item

In creamware, with moonstone glaze. The mould sculpted by John Skeaping. Signed for both Wedgwood and Skeaping. Skeaping was commissioned by Wedgwood to produce a series of animal sculptures in the Art Deco style. They were designed to be simple, both to accord with the current aesthetic, and to make them easy to manufacture - the entire piece could be made in a single mold. His animal series is considered a classic of the period. John Skeaping (1901–1980) was a renowned British sculptor celebrated for his dynamic and expressive works primarily focusing on animals and equestrian subjects. Born in London, England, Skeaping's artistic talents emerged at an early age. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools and later at the Royal College of Art, where he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for sculptural form. In the early stages of his career, Skeaping gained recognition for his exceptional talent in depicting animals, particularly horses. His sculptures captured the essence of movement and vitality, showcasing a profound understanding of anatomy and a keen eye for detail. Skeaping's fascination with equestrian subjects stemmed from his childhood experiences and his admiration for the grace and power of these animals. During the 1920s and 1930s, Skeaping's reputation as a sculptor grew rapidly, earning him prestigious commissions and accolades. His works were characterized by their fluidity and elegance, reflecting his mastery of sculptural techniques and his ability to breathe life into his subjects. Notable pieces from this period include "Mare and Foal" and "Horse and Rider," which exemplify Skeaping's skillful craftsmanship and his ability to evoke emotion through his art. John Skeaping's artistic endeavors extended beyond traditional sculpture, as he also collaborated with renowned manufacturers such as Wedgwood, the esteemed British pottery company. His partnership with Wedgwood resulted in the creation of exquisite ceramic pieces that reflected his distinctive style and mastery of form. Skeaping's designs for Wedgwood combined his passion for sculpture with the craftsmanship of ceramics, resulting in pieces that were both elegant and timeless. His ability to translate his sculptural vision into three-dimensional ceramic forms earned him widespread acclaim and further solidified his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.

Creator:
John Rattenbury Skeaping (Sculptor),Wedgwood (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 8.08 in (20.5 cm)Width: 8.27 in (21 cm)Depth: 6.5 in (16.5 cm)
Style:
Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Creamware,Molded
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
1920-1929
Date of Manufacture:
C1925
Condition:
As new.
Seller Location:
Melbourne, AU
Reference Number:
Seller: 56161stDibs: LU3151338517882

Shop All Wedgwood

Wedgwood

Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95) in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops. The company is famed for its Jasperware — molded neoclassical stoneware vases, plates and other pieces inspired by ancient cameo glass, featuring white figures, scenes and decorative elements set in relief on a matte-colored background. The best-known background hue is light blue, but Wedgwood’s iconic silhouettes also appear on green, lilac, yellow, black and even white grounds. Some antique Wedgwood dinnerware pieces and other items feature three or more colors.

The Wedgwood firm first came to prominence for its tableware, which quickly gained favor in aristocratic households throughout Britain and Europe. In 1765, Wedgwood was commissioned to create a cream-colored earthenware service for Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. The queen was so thrilled with her new china that Wedgwood was given permission to call himself “Potter to Her Majesty,” and the decorative style became known as Queen’s Ware.

Not to be outdone, Catherine the Great of Russia commissioned her own set of Wedgwood china in 1773. Nearly 200 years later, the firm created a 1,200-piece service for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In recent years, leading designers including Jasper Conran and Vera Wang have collaborated with Wedgwood — in the tradition of such distinguished 18th-century artists such as the painter George Stubbs and metalsmith Matthew Boulton.

From plates and other dinnerware to decorative items like urns, cachepots and candlesticks, Wedgwood designs lend a traditional air to Anglophile interiors. And even if you have to make your own tea, you may find it comforting to sip it from a delicate cup that was manufactured in the same Stoke-on-Trent kiln that produced Her Majesty’s tea service. Be sure to keep your pinky raised.

Find antique Wedgwood pottery on 1stDibs.

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Angel Fish Sculpture by M Font c1925

$948

H 11.3 in W 9.06 in D 3.23 in

Ruby Wedgwood Ordinary Lustre, Butterfly York Cup by Daisy Makeig-Jones, c1925

By Daisy Makeig-Jones

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Exquisite ruby Ordinary lustre york cup by Daisy Makeig Jones for Wedgwood, England. The interior of this delightful piece has a vibrantly coloured butterfly on a pale green mother of pearl background, with gilded interior patterning. Rich ruby red lustre mottled glaze, animated gilded butterflies...

Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Decorative Bowls

Materials

Porcelain

Ruby Wedgwood Ordinary Lustre, Butterfly York Cup by Daisy Makeig-Jones, c1925

$1,296

Free Shipping

H 2 in Dm 3.75 in

Pair of Solid Bronze Architectural Art Deco Figures From a Chicago Balcony c1925

Located in Milford, NH

A fabulous pair of architectural Art Deco figures, probably solid bronze, the woman with a water jug, and the man with stonecutter’s tools, each with flowing robes behind them, loose...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Pair of Solid Bronze Architectural Art Deco Figures From a Chicago Balcony c1925

$4,900 / set

H 22.88 in W 21.5 in D 1.63 in

Group of Five Racehorses by John Rattenbury Skeating

By John Rattenbury Skeaping

Located in Forest Row, East Sussex

A stunning bronze sculpture by John Rattenbury skeaping (1901-1980) depicting five racehorses and their jockeys in full motion. Signed and dated John Skeaping 77 and numbered 4/7.

Category

Mid-20th Century English Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Group of Five Racehorses by John Rattenbury Skeating

$40,266

H 10.63 in W 35.44 in D 13.78 in

Pierre Laurel (1892-1962) Patinated Bronze Figure "Tambourine Dancer" C1925

By Pierre Laurel

Located in Germantown, MD

Pierre LAUREL (French 1892-1962) Pseudonym of Pierre LE FAGUAYS "Dancer with tambourine" bronze sculpture on a cylindrical marble plinth.

Category

Early 20th Century French Greco Roman Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pierre Laurel (1892-1962) Patinated Bronze Figure "Tambourine Dancer" C1925

$3,995

H 17.5 in W 11 in D 3 in

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Homer

By Wedgwood

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

An antique Wedgwood black basalt bust of Homer. This Grand Tour style sculpture is a very stylish depiction of the scholar. This English bust depicts the legendary poet and author Homer who is presumed to have penned the two of ancient Greece’s most epic poems: the Iliad and the Odyssey. Scholars are uncertain whether or not Homer actually existed but if he in fact did exist, Homer would be regarded as one of the greatest literary artists of his time. At over 160 years old, this Homer bust...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Grand Tour Busts

Materials

Stone

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Homer

$4,470

H 10.44 in W 7.68 in D 5.32 in

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid

By Wedgwood

Located in New Orleans, LA

An important homage to love, this large black basalt figure is an impressive example of Wedgwood's artistry and imagination. Cupid, the ancient Roman god of love, is standing amongst billowing clouds with a pair of doves at his feet. Gazing towards earth with one hand shielding his eyes, the other hand holds an arrow. His bow and quiver rest at his side, ready to take aim. "CUPID" is etched into the base. Considered a crowning achievement of Wedgwood, black basalt was created by blending manganese with an iron-oxide rich slurry procured from coal mines called carr. In addition to the impressive color, this combination also provided additional strength and solidity. While it initially proved challenging to fire because of its weight, that same characteristic was advantageous in creating ornaments, lending stability to library...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid

$12,850

H 24 in W 12.25 in D 12.25 in

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Plato

By Wedgwood

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

An antique Wedgwood black basalt bust of Plato. This Grand Tour sculpture is a very stylish depiction of the Athenian philosopher Plato (c.428-347 B.C.). He is one of the most impo...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Busts

Materials

Marble

Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Plato

$4,060

H 10.44 in W 7.68 in D 5.32 in

Wedgwood Black Basalt Hedgehog Bulb Planter

By Wedgwood

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

A black basalt bulb pot molded as a hedgehog, made by Wedgwood in the middle of the 19th century. Finely molded as a lively little hedgehog, this unique object would have been use...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Stoneware

Wedgwood Black Basalt Hedgehog Bulb Planter

$4,250

H 6.75 in W 10 in D 6 in

Art Deco Sea Lions Bookends by Maurice Frecourt, Bronze Marble, 1930

Located in Wiesbaden, DE

Book supports from Maurice Frecourt The exquisite book supports from Maurice Freocourt not only represent the craftsmanship of the well -known French artist. They also embody the tim...

Category