Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Hardcover]

Michael Herman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: November 2003

A lavishly illustrated collectors volume, this book is a wonderful introduction to the historic and ever-popular line of Wedgwood ceramics called Jasper Ware. The bas-reliefs on matte porcelain grounds make these products instantly recognizable. Featuring fine pieces from private and museum collections, it has been written especially for novice and moderately advanced collectors and concentrates on pieces produced mostly from the mid-nineteenth to the early twentieth centuries. Included are chapters on Wedgwood Jasper history, colors, and marks as well as supplements about Wedgwood Jasper jewelry and the classical mythology used for the bas-relief figures. A significant portion of the book illustrates many of the hundreds of shapes that Wedgwood produced, including biscuit barrels, bud vases, candlesticks, cruet sets, bowls, inkwells, and jardinires, to name only a few. Over 500 vivid photographs illustrate these shapes, and detailed information as well as current values are included in each caption. This is an important book about a time period in Wedgwood Jasper history that has not been researched before. It will be a welcomed addition to the library of all Wedgwood Jasper enthusiasts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (November 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764319264
• ISBN-13: 978-0764319266
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #915,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author's opinion given as a reference work but pix are great, February 6, 2004

By 

David J. Fravel (Dover, Delaware) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

The title of this book suggests that it is a guide to all Wedgwood Jasper Ware, but the author concentrates strictly on dipped jasper ware. The title should indicate this. The text of the book also is filled with the author's opinions that dipped jasper ware is somehow superior to solid Wedgwood jasper ware and that the latter category of wares is rather declasse. He is certainly entitled to his opinions but they should not be presented as standard for Wedgwood collectors. His collection (and therefore his book)concentrates on a very specific period of production that he prefers but as I stated above the title does not indicate this. Having said that, am I sorry that I purchased this book (indeed pre-ordered it and waited several months for it?) Not at all. The photographs are sumptuous, and that section of the book is superb. The shapes of the pieces and subjects of the bas reliefs listed apply to all types of Wedgwood wares, dipped jasper, solid jasper, basalt, Queensware, drab ware, etc. For this very reason, the book is a valuable reference. Quality books on Wedgwood are few and far between and older ones are difficult to find if one wants to own them and not have to go to a library. In conclusion, drool over the pictures, but divide the text into two categories: Wedgwood history (which the book is short on) and author's opinion (of which there is plenty.)

An addendum of second thoughts:
The book convinced me to acquire my first piece of dipped jasperware. I can certainly see why the author raves about the quality of the workmanship during this period of production. The dipped jasper has qualities that more modern solid jasper does not offer but the solid jasper has wonderful qualities of its own. I will not go so far as to say that one is superior to the other, but that each needs to be appreciated for what it is. I am grateful to the author for expanding my (Wedgwood jasper) vision.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Collector's Guide: The Shapes of Wedgwood, February 1, 2004

By 

Faith Lewis (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

A collector's guide and shape book filled with wonderful color photographs of the many varieties of Wedgwood jasper ware dip. Author Michael Herman shares his knowledge and experience with other collectors.
It not only provides basic information so important to the beginning collector. It is a resource for all collectors in this area. Each piece is identified as fully as possible-including the bas relief figures.
Dark blue does predominate, not a surprise, as it was the most popular color. Still the other jasper ware colors are well represented.
Most of the pieces illustrated were made between the mid 19th century and the virtual end of jasper dip production in 1940. It is indeed refreshing to have a book that focuses on this period in this area of collecting. The timeless appeal of Wedgwood jasper ware is so well illustrated.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great quick reference, April 5, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

This is a great book on wedgwood jasperware. It will definitely help identify genuine pieces and offers great illustrations. I thought there would be much larger collection of pieces illustrated within the book though, so I was somewhat disappointed since none of the jasperware I own was even listed in the book.