John J. Gredler Works of Art

English Regency Period Blue John Tazza with Black Marble

19th century Derbyshire "Blue John" carved Tazza.

English Regency Blue John and polished black marble tazza. The round dish supported by a turned column with bands of Blue John interspersed with polished marble all resting on an octagonal base. A handsome addition to the mantelpiece, bookshelf or tabletop. England. Regency period. Circa 1830. 

6.5" h  x  5.25" diameter   

Blue John (also known as Derbyshire Spar) is a semi-precious mineral, a rare form of fluorite with bands of a purple-blue or yellowish color. In the United Kingdom it is found only at Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern at Castleton in Derbyshire. During the 19th century, it was mined for its ornamental value, and mining continues on a small scale.