F D Pottery

Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95) in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops. The company is famed for its Jasperware — molded neoclassical stoneware vases, plates and other pieces inspired by ancient cameo glass, featuring white figures, scenes and decorative elements set in relief on a matte-colored background. The best-known background hue is light blue, but Wedgwood’s iconic silhouettes also appear on green, lilac, yellow, black and even white grounds. Some antique Wedgwood dinnerware pieces and other items feature three or more colors.

The Wedgwood firm first came to prominence for its tableware, which quickly gained favor in aristocratic households throughout Britain and Europe. In 1765, Wedgwood was commissioned to create a cream-colored earthenware service for Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. The queen was so thrilled with her new china that Wedgwood was given permission to call himself “Potter to Her Majesty,” and the decorative style became known as Queen’s Ware. 

Not to be outdone, Catherine the Great of Russia commissioned her own set of Wedgwood china in 1773. Nearly 200 years later, the firm created a 1,200-piece service for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In recent years, leading designers including Jasper Conran and Vera Wang have collaborated with Wedgwood — in the tradition of such distinguished 18th-century artists such as the painter George Stubbs and metalsmith Matthew Boulton.

From plates and other dinnerware to decorative items like urns, cachepots and candlesticks, Wedgwood designs lend a traditional air to Anglophile interiors. And even if you have to make your own tea, you may find it comforting to sip it from a delicate cup that was manufactured in the same Stoke-on-Trent kiln that produced Her Majesty’s tea service. Be sure to keep your pinky raised.

Find antique Wedgwood pottery on 1stDibs.

Even if you’re (understandably) boastful of your minimalist loft apartment or breezy California coastal-style decor, your space could probably still use some streamlined antique and vintage pottery, which can prove both timeless and on-trend.

Pottery, which sees clay and other ceramic materials fired at high temperatures in order to lend them a durable and robust form, can introduce color and character to your dining room or living room. Pottery includes stoneware, porcelain and earthenware and, depending upon a piece’s origins, can vary considerably in style, form and function from one vessel to another. This makes it easy to find pottery for your interiors or outdoor garden areas, regardless of color scheme or design style.

“Ceramics are definitely seeing a resurgence in the decorating and art worlds,” says the team of Mat Sanders and Brandon Quattrone of interior design firm Consort. The personalization of handmade craftsmanship has served as a sort of anti-Internet to screen-weary decorators.

The rustic appearance of some mid-century-era Mexican pottery, such as a jug or water pitcher, can add earthy charm to your breakfast table while hand-painted antique Japanese pottery, such as a planter for your patio, might be characterized by rich colors and exquisitely detailed landscape scenes.

On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage pottery with origins in countries all over the world. Our collection includes vases, vessels and other tableware from France, Italy and China as well as contemporary pottery and pieces that date from the 18th century and earlier.