{"product_id":"wedgwood-black-basalt-figure-of-cupid","title":"Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid","description":"An important homage to love, this large black basalt figure is an impressive example of Wedgwood's artistry and imagination. Cupid, the ancient Roman god of love, is standing amongst billowing clouds with a pair of doves at his feet. Gazing towards earth with one hand shielding his eyes, the other hand holds an arrow. His bow and quiver rest at his side, ready to take aim. \"CUPID\" is etched into the base. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Considered a crowning achievement of Wedgwood, black basalt was created by blending manganese with an iron-oxide rich slurry procured from coal mines called carr. In addition to the impressive color, this combination also provided additional strength and solidity. While it initially proved challenging to fire because of its weight, that same characteristic was advantageous in creating ornaments, lending stability to library busts, vases and figures. To find a figure this large is truly remarkable. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This form was first recorded at the Great Exhibition of 1851, London. A similar example of Cupid in this large size resides at the Wedgwood Museum, Barlaston. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Impressed uppercase mark at the back \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1860-1880 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 12 1\/4\" wide x 12 1\/4\" deep x 24\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance\u003cbr\u003e Herbert \u0026amp; Sylvia Jacobs Collection, no. 551 (label)\u003cbr\u003e Christie’s, New York, 24 April 1994, lot 77\u003cbr\u003e Victor \u0026amp; Muriel Polikoff Collection, no. 431 (label)","brand":"MSR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50275039346978,"sku":"31-4245","price":12850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0961\/6710\/0706\/files\/31-4245_1_76891c2e-371a-487d-8c4c-b3e94efbbbe7.png?v=1756231888","url":"https:\/\/banksyarts.com\/products\/wedgwood-black-basalt-figure-of-cupid","provider":"The Louvre of America","version":"1.0","type":"link"}