Depicting a classical figure of a woman, possibly representing Aphrodite (Venus), leaning on a column. On the reverse, a recess with two small holes intended for hanging.
Height 18.7 cm
Marked ENOCH WOOD & SONS to reverse
She possibly represents Aphrodite (or Venus), although differs in design from examples of figures known in porcelain or pearlware of the 18th century, where she is often depicted together with a small putto representing Eros.
Caneware plaques are particularly rare, probably because they were easily broken, and this example is late for the production of caneware. The mark Enoch Wood & Sons dates from about 1818.
Condition: Very good, a small chip to top right corner and a very small chip on the column which has become discoloured, visible in the image
For a figure of Venus with a dolphin, see The Fitzwilliam Museum item C.870-1928, there attributed to probably Ralph Wood II
For a Neale & Co creamware figure of Venus, see Edwards D., Neale Pottery and Porcelain, pp.174-175, pl. 152
For a discussion of the mark, see Godden G., Encyclopaedia of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks, pp.685-686
For detailed information on the production of caneware, see Edwards D. and Hampson R., English Dry-bodied Stoneware, in particular the chapter on Wedgwood Caneware, pp.63-71
£950
©Jill Gosling English Ceramics 2024