James Dudson Cobalt Blue Jasper Dip Muses Cheese Dish, c. 1870s

Description

This cobalt blue jasper dip cheese dish is sprigged with trees, small floral arrangements, and six muses: Thalia, muse of comedy; Erato, muse of erotic poetry; Calliope, muse of epic poetry; Melpomene, muse of tragedy; Euterpe, muse of lyric poetry; and Apollo Musagetes, leader of the muses. In ancient Greek mythology, the nine muses, daughters of Zeus, were goddesses and inspirers of the fine arts, music, literature, history, and astronomy. They were led by Apollo, god of healing, medicine, music, poetry, archery, and the sun. These particular images of the muses are attributed to sculptor John Flaxman, junior (1755-1826).
Both the shoulder of the dome and the skirt of the base plate are adorned with the large version of Dudson's naturalistic oak-and-acorn border. The top of the dome features alternating enclosed anthemion and palmettes radiating around the acorn finial.
Overall height is 8”. The dome measures 4-1/2” tall with a 1-1/2” finial and is 8-1/2” in diameter. The base is 10-1/2” in diameter and 2” high. Impressed “2” inside the dome and “1” on the base. There are some faint purplish stains on top of the base plate (wine?) and the finial has its tip broken off. Otherwise, the condition is excellent, with no chips, cracks, scratches, or repairs.
Payment required within 3 days of end of auction. Ships insured to U.S. addresses via USPS Priority Mail.
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