Wedgwood Jasperware White Cigar Jar: A Fusion of Classic Elegance and Artistic Craftsmanship

Wedgwood Jasper White Cigar Jar: 

A Fusion of Classic Elegance and Artistic Craftsmanship

《WareWish》

Wedgwood Jasperware White Cigar Jar 1

This Wedgwood Jasperware white cigar jar features a refined frosty white base accented by classic pale blue reliefs, embodying a strong sense of neoclassical aesthetics. Its cylindrical design with a rounded top not only highlights the 18th-century craftsmanship but also imparts a dignified and sophisticated charm. The jar showcases figures from Greek and Roman mythology, including the Muses of lyric poetry, epic poetry, hymn, and tragedy—Euterpe, Calliope, Polyhymnia, and Melpomene—as well as Apollo, the god leading the muses, representing humanity's reverence for art, poetry, and wisdom.

這款Wedgwood Jasperware白色雪茄罐，以典雅的霜白色為基調，搭配經典的淺藍色浮雕，呈現出濃厚的古典美學風格。其圓柱形設計和圓頂蓋的造型，不僅彰顯了18世紀新古典主義的工藝特色，還賦予了這件作品莊重而精緻的氣息。周圍的浮雕細節展示了幾位希臘羅馬神話中的人物，包括音樂和詩歌的繆斯女神Euterpe、Calliope、Polyhymnia、Melpomene，以及領導音樂的神祇Apollo，每位角色都代表著人類對藝術、詩歌和智慧的追求。

Wedgwood Jasperware White Cigar Jar 2

The relief first depicts two Muses from Greek mythology: Euterpe on the left and Calliope on the right. Euterpe, the Muse of Lyric Poetry, is often called the “Giver of Delight,” symbolizing inspiration for music and poetry. She is usually shown holding a flute or musical instrument, representing the fusion of lyrical poetry and music. Her presence provides people with inspiration to create beautiful poetry and music. On the right, Calliope is the Muse of Epic Poetry and is regarded as the leader of all the Muses. She often holds a scroll or parchment, symbolizing the nobility and wisdom of epic poetry. Calliope inspires poets to write heroic tales, celebrating the remarkable feats of heroes.

首先, 浮雕描繪了希臘神話中的兩位繆思女神：左邊的Euterpe和右邊的Calliope。Euterpe是抒情詩的繆思女神，經常被稱為"快樂的賜予者"，象徵著音樂與詩歌的靈感。她手持笛子或樂器，象徵著抒情詩與音樂的融合。她的存在賦予了人們靈感，創造出優美的詩歌和音樂。 右邊的Calliope是史詩詩歌的繆思女神，被視為所有繆思女神中的首領。她常持有 一卷羊皮紙或書卷，象徵著史詩詩歌的高尚與智慧。Calliope為詩人們帶來了撰寫英雄故事的靈感，讚頌英雄的偉大事跡。

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On the other side, we see Polyhymnia on the left and Melpomene on the right. Polyhymnia, the Muse of Hymns, symbolizes reverence and admiration for the sacred. She is often depicted in a thoughtful pose, embodying the contemplation that inspires poets to create hymns honoring the divine. On the right, Melpomene is the Muse of Tragedy, holding a mask that represents the tragic masks used in ancient Greek theater. Melpomene embodies the art of tragedy, inspiring playwrights to create works that deeply explore human suffering and fate.

另外一面, 左邊的是Polyhymnia，右邊的是Melpomene。左邊的Polyhymnia是讚美詩的繆思女神，她象徵著對神聖之物的敬仰與崇敬。Polyhymnia通常被描繪為沉思的姿態，象徵著靈感的深思，啟發詩人創作出讚頌神靈的詩篇。 右邊的Melpomene是悲劇的繆思女神，她手持一個面具，象徵著古希臘戲劇中的悲劇面具。Melpomene代表著悲劇的藝術，啟發了劇作家創作出深刻描繪人類痛苦與命運的作品。

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Wedgwood Jasperware Apollo

There is another angle: the relief on the left depicts Apollo (Musagetes), the god of music and poetry in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Apollo symbolizes music, poetry, prophecy, and light, and he is portrayed here as the leader of the Muses. In the relief, Apollo holds a lyre, symbolizing his protection and inspiration of the arts.

還有另一個角度, 左邊浮雕描繪了古希臘和羅馬神話中的音樂與詩歌之神阿波羅(Apollo, Musagetes)。阿波羅是音樂、詩歌、預言和光明的象徵，他在這裡被描繪成帶領繆思女神們的指導者。浮雕中，阿波羅手持里拉琴，象徵著他對藝術的保護與啟發。

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The original designer of these light blue relief figures is John Flaxman. He was a renowned 18th-century British sculptor and artist who created many iconic relief designs for the Wedgwood company. Flaxman was known for his minimalist and elegant classical style, expertly depicting Greek and Roman mythological figures with clean, flowing lines that aligned with the ideals of Neoclassicism. His work was crucial to the success of Wedgwood Jasperware and has become one of the brand's classic designs.

這些淺藍色浮雕人物的原始設計構圖者是約翰·弗拉克斯曼(John Flaxman)。他是18世紀英國著名的雕塑家和藝術家，為Wedgwood公司設計了許多經典的浮雕作品。他以簡約優雅的古典風格聞名，尤其擅長將希臘和羅馬神話人物以簡潔、流暢的線條呈現出來，符合新古典主義的審美理想。Flaxman的作品對於Wedgwood Jasperware的成功至關重要，也成為該品牌的經典設計之一。

Wedgwood Jasperware White Cigar Jar 6

The figures depicted on this Wedgwood Jasperware cigar jar—Euterpe (Muse of Lyric Poetry), Calliope (Muse of Epic Poetry), Polyhymnia (Muse of Hymns), Melpomene (Muse of Tragedy), and Apollo, the god of music and arts—collectively celebrate human creativity and the pursuit of the spiritual. These muses represent reverence for various art forms in classical culture, each symbolizing a distinct domain of poetry, music, and drama, reflecting humanity’s diverse ways of expressing and understanding life. As their leader, Apollo symbolizes wisdom, harmony, and inspiration, highlighting the role of art in uplifting the human soul. Overall, this cigar jar serves not only as a work of art but also as a symbol of wisdom, aesthetics, and cultural depth, reminding us of the timeless value of art in life.

在這款Wedgwood Jasperware雪茄罐的浮雕上，幾位希臘羅馬神話中的人物，包括繆斯女神Euterpe（抒情詩）、Calliope（史詩）、Polyhymnia（讚美詩）、Melpomene（悲劇）以及掌管音樂和藝術的神祇Apollo，共同傳達了一種對人類創造力和精神追求的禮讚。 這些角色象徵著古典文化中對不同藝術形式的崇敬與重視，每位繆斯女神分別代表著詩歌、音樂、戲劇等藝術領域，反映了人類對表達和理解生活的多樣方式。Apollo作為領導者，象徵智慧、和諧和啟發，強調了藝術對於提升人類靈魂的重要性。整體而言，這款雪茄罐不僅僅是一件藝術品，更是一個融合智慧、美學和文化深度的象徵，提醒我們藝術在生活中的永恆價值。

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Encircling the jar are delicate oak leaf patterns on the lid and base edges, symbolizing strength and eternity, harmoniously complementing the reliefs of mythological figures. These details reflect Wedgwood's commitment to craftsmanship and design, making this jar not just a functional container but a valuable piece of art with cultural and historical significance. Ideal for placement in a study or display cabinet, this cigar jar serves as a tasteful decoration that adds a touch of classical charm and intellectual ambiance to any space. For enthusiasts of classical art and collectors alike, this Wedgwood Jasperware cigar jar is a choice rich in artistic value.

罐身上細緻的橡葉花紋環繞在蓋緣與底座邊緣，象徵著力量與永恆，與浮雕中的人物形象相互輝映。這些細節展示了Wedgwood對於工藝與設計的追求，讓此雪茄罐不僅僅是一件實用的容器，更是一件具備藝術性和文化歷史價值的珍品。 這款雪茄罐適合擺放在書房或展示櫃中，不僅可以作為雅致的裝飾，還能為空間增添一份古典與知性的氛圍。無論是對於古典藝術愛好者，還是對於收藏家來說，這款Wedgwood Jasperware雪茄罐都是一個充滿藝術價值的選擇。

[Photos] Warewish took it at his home in Taiwan, Warewish Collection, February 19, 2009.

[照片拍攝] Warewish拍攝於台灣自家，Warewish收藏，2009年2月19日。

Warewish/20241027