“I. A composition of terra cotta, resembling porphyry, lapis lazuli, jasper, and other beautiful stones, of the vitrescent or crystalline class.
“II. A fine black porcelain, having nearly the same properties as the basaltes, resisting the attacks of acids, being a touchstone to copper, silver, and gold, and equal in hardness to agate or porphyry.
“III. A fine white biscuit ware, or terra cotta, polished and unpolished.”
Fig. 547.—Medallion, White on Black.
Thus, in 1773, it is evident there were only three kinds of ware made by Wedgwood, viz., “terra cotta resembling porphyry, lapis lazuli, jasper, and other beautiful stones, of the vitrescent or crystalline class,” such as the imitation porphyry, marble, and other vases, were composed of; the “fine black porcelain, or basaltes,” so largely used for vases, figures, medallions, and other ornamental purposes, as well as for tea-pots, &c.; and the “white biscuit ware, or terra cotta,” used both in combination with other materials in the production of vases, medallions, and other decorative pieces, and separately for the manufacture of stands and other ornamental goods. The combination of these two latter bodies will be called to mind by collectors, perhaps, more easily with regard to medallions than otherwise. In these the oval of the plaque was frequently made of the black ware, and the bust of the white terra cotta (Fig. [580]).
In the next year (1774) a fourth variety was added, thus described in the catalogue of that date:—
“IV. A fine white terra cotta, of great beauty and delicacy, proper for cameos, portraits, and bas-reliefs.”
Fig. 548.—Jasper Plaque.