Just Right Estate Sales

Josiah Wedgwood and James Tassie were fast friends. Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) was a potter in the Staffordshire area of England and founder of Wedgwood Pottery in 1759 (yes, THAT Wedgwood). James Tassie (1735-1799), a native of Glasgow, Scotland, came to London in 1766 and rented a showroom near Wedgwood’s at Greek Street in Soho. Tassie offered for sale glass-paste copies of ancient gems that he had made with the assistance of Dr. Henry Quin, a scientist and president of the Royal College of Physicians. The material was composed of powdered glass which in a soft state was pressed into plaster of paris molds. Some 1,700 ceramic gems were offered for sale by Wedgwood in his 1779 catalogue, each marked with a reference number for identification. Wedgwood called these “cameos” (the reverse being intaglios). 

This is a wonderful collection of some of the molds made by James Tassie himself for jewelry created by Josiah Wedgwood.  They are extremely rare and in beautiful condition. Some of the Tassie mold designs were used for the bas relief figures on the early Wedgwood Jasper Ware pieces in the late 1700's.

Amazing piece of history!

Please see all pictures for overall condition. Bring packing supplies for your winnings & help to load large/heavy items.