What is encaustic decoration on Wedgwood Black Basalt?

Encaustic decoration is a painted style used by Wedgwood on Black Basalt to recreate the appearance of ancient Greek decorated pottery. The technique placed coloured designs against the dark ceramic body, producing a striking classical effect. Josiah Wedgwood patented his ceramic encaustic decoration in 1769. Plain examples rely heavily on shape, relief, engine turning and surface finish. Encaustic pieces add coloured figures, borders or classical ornament to the black ground. Collectors should inspect painted decoration for wear and restoration.

Areas projecting from the body can suffer rubbing after two centuries of handling. Old cleaning may affect painted surfaces too. The word “encaustic” can cause confusion, since ancient encaustic art is associated with wax-based painting. In the Wedgwood context, collectors encounter the term as the factory's ceramic decorative method inspired by ancient vase painting. Original eighteenth-century encaustic Black Basalt can be particularly interesting for collectors studying Wedgwood's close relationship with classical archaeology and Georgian taste.