Wedgwood Gilt Bone China Clam Shell Centrepiece

This eyecatching Wedgwood gilt bone china centrepiece is formed by two half clam shells supported on antler coral, which then rests on a round base. Rising up between the shells is more coral, on top of which sits a murex shell. The only decoration to the piece is the very delicate moulding together with the gilding to the rim and the high points of the clam shells as well as the high points of the murex shell, with the hand gilding contrasting nicely against the white bone china. The base shows the shape number Z 2264. The Z series was first issued in 1879 and the items produced were described as gilt bone china "fancies", or ornamental pieces. Centrepieces sat on a dining table or a sideboard to hold flowers, sweetmeats or pastilles or just to be decorative. This one measures 405 mm (16 inches) wide, 280 mm (11 inches) deep and stands 300 mm (12 inches) high. There is a very small firing crack to the inside edge of one of the clam shells, otherwise it is in very good condition. It dates from the period 1879-1890.