Wedgwood: Black Basalt Decorative Bowls, by Keith Murray (1933-1941)
£1,200.00
Sale price
£1,200.00
Regular price
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Wedgwood: Black Basalt Decorative Bowls, by Keith Murray (1933-1941)
£1,200.00
Sale price
£1,200.00
Regular price
A refined pair of black basalt bowls designed by Keith Murray (1892-1981) for Wedgwood. These pieces represent a key moment in British modernist design, where traditional ceramic bodies were reimagined through the lens of architecture and industry. One of the same is held by the V&A Museum in their Wedgwood Collection.
Murray’s work for Wedgwood in the 1930s is defined by this balance: the historic black basalt material, long associated with classical wares, is paired with precision-engineered surface treatments. Here, the bowls are finished with a distinctive faceted band, created through machine turning on a lathe. Each cut forms a subtle, rhythmic geometry that catches light across the matte surface. This process - often described as engine-turning - allowed for a level of consistency and clarity that reflected the emerging 'machine age', while still sitting within Wedgwood’s long ceramic tradition.
The Wedgwood catalogue for 1940-50 described the shape as 'Bowl 3815'. Impressed factory marks, and printed factory marks to underside. Diameter 24cm, height 9cm.
Provenance: one bowl acquired by the gallery from specialist auction, the second acquired from a private seller known to the gallery.
As with all antique or vintage items, there may be minor variations and imperfections which form part of their character. No major marks or damage has been noted.
AI-enabled placement images may contain minor errors and not show representative proportions. Please refer to the stated dimensions.