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Take a peek into our collections! – Sprig moulding

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Sprig moulding is the name given to a relief design on ceramics which is made by pressing clay into a plaster mould and then applying to the main body of the piece. Examples of this early technique can be seen on Ancient Roman pottery, and it has been a popular decorative technique in the UK since the 15th century.

One of the most memorable examples of sprig mould designs can be found on Wedgewood Jasperware. The contrasting delicate white sprig designs, usually classical in theme, are applied to the iconic blue background to add decoration to the ceramics (although other colours have been used over time). The use of a mould to make the sprigs means that multiples of the same design can be made, making it an ideal technique for batch or mass production.