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“My great work is The Portland Vase.”
Josiah I’s obsession with the Barberini Vase (named due to being owned by the famous Barberini family at one time)
led him through thousands of experiments over nearly 5 years to create a perfect copy of the 1st century BC cameo glass vase.
Where it all began
After several years of experimentation and countless trials that were rigorously recorded, Josiah I finally perfected his iconic material in 1774.
Jasperware is known for its unglazed matte “biscuit” finish and its capability to take on colour throughout the clay. The material is highly prized by artists and collectors due to its fine-grained smooth texture and its uncanny hardness.
Josiah I set out to copy the Barberini Vase using his new invention, showing that his modern manufacturing techniques and skilled craftsmen could mirror the pinnacle of Roman antiquities.
Jasperware is known for its unglazed matte “biscuit” finish and its capability to take on colour throughout the clay. The material is highly prized by artists and collectors due to its fine-grained smooth texture and its uncanny hardness.
Josiah I set out to copy the Barberini Vase using his new invention, showing that his modern manufacturing techniques and skilled craftsmen could mirror the pinnacle of Roman antiquities.
How it’s made
At our factory in England, the body of the Portland Vase is hand thrown on a potter’s wheel in Jasper clay, then engine turned to remove excess clay and refine the silhouette of the whole piece. The bas relief figures and asymmetrical handles are then added to the vase and the entire vase is then fired in the kiln.
Jasperware is capable of taking on a multitude of colours depending on what mix of metal oxides are added to the Jasper clay before firing. To achieve the blue-black cameo glass colour like the original Barberini Vase, Josiah produced a special mixture of Jasper clay, resulting in the iconic matte black finish of the First Edition Portland Vase.
Jasperware is capable of taking on a multitude of colours depending on what mix of metal oxides are added to the Jasper clay before firing. To achieve the blue-black cameo glass colour like the original Barberini Vase, Josiah produced a special mixture of Jasper clay, resulting in the iconic matte black finish of the First Edition Portland Vase.
PORTLAND VASES
The Small Portland pieces, crafted with the same artistry as their larger counterparts, feature contemporary designs in
vibrant colourways. Made in England and certified for authenticity, these mini masterpieces elevate any space.