ENGLISH SAGE-GREEN JASPERWARE 'RUSSIAN MARKET' EASTER EGG

ENGLISH SAGE-GREEN JASPERWARE 'RUSSIAN MARKET' EASTER EGG circa 1868, unmarked, attributed to Wedgwood, oviform, applied in white relief with a bust of Christ within a berried laurel surround, the obverse with a similar wreath centering the Cyrillic initials 'XB' for Khristos Voskres (Christ is Risen), alternating with floral medallions, pierced at each end for suspension and radiating stiff leaf-tips, h: 3 1/4 in., on a later wooden stand

Provenance: Jeffrey Milkins Collection, no. 661.

Catalogue Note:
For a related portrait medallion of Christ see, The Dwight & Lucille Beeson Collection, Birmingham Museum of Art, p. 341, cat. no. 807. For a similar egg in pale blue jasperware, see Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians, 8 April 2018, lot 545.

According to correspondence from the Wedgwood Museum, the egg-shaped form in jasperware is thought to have first been used as an element incorporated in several lighting fixtures or chandeliers and then adapted for this purpose. Reference the Wedgwood Shape Books, nos. 1182, 1042 and 1243/4.