Block mould for Wedgwood medallion

Jasperware is fine-grained, unglazed white stoneware. Wedgwood normally stained the clay pale blue, but you can find dark blue, lilac, sage green, black and yellow medallions.

The medallions are cameos where the portrait is in relief (stands proud of the surface). In contrast, intaglios have the portrait cut into the surface. Excavations at Roman bathhouses have revealed many intaglio gems. It was (and still is) easy to lose your jewellery while bathing.