Serious collectors of British ceramics are quite familiar with the forward-looking works that bear Doulton Burslem marks — the redoubtable British manufacturer Royal Doulton purchased a factory in Burslem in 1882, and King Edward VII granted the factory his Royal Warrant in 1901. Doulton of Burslem in Staffordshire is known for its innovative designs for vases, tableware and serveware created by the likes of Charles Noke and other artisans of the era.
Royal Doulton has long embraced popular tastes and enjoys a devoted following among aficionados of English pottery. Some are drawn to the company’s intricately decorated bone china dinner services; others are passionate collectors of Royal Doulton’s artfully hand-painted figurines, vases and bowls.
When founded by John Doulton, Martha Jones and John Watts in 1815, in the Lambeth section of suburban London, the manufacturer produced bottles and other storage containers and even sewer pipes in stoneware, a cheap but durable cousin of porcelain.
Amid the Victorian era’s rising concern for hygiene, food safety and sanitation, the company flourished. During the late 1850s — having rebranded as Doulton & Watts and then Doulton and Co. — the firm was colloquially referred to as Doulton Ware. And in the late 1870s, it expanded its business into the applied arts.
The firm took over a factory in Staffordshire, in northern England — the traditional home of British ceramics manufacturing — to produce tableware. Around the same time, Henry Doulton — John Doulton's son — opened an art pottery studio in Lambeth, where vases, urns and other forms were decorated with painted scenic images, flowers or historical motifs thanks to its collaborations with students at the nearby Lambeth School of Art.
Taking a cue from the venerable Meissen porcelain workshops in Germany, Doulton artisans began crafting figurines modeled on characters from literature and theater. The firm also helped popularize Toby Jugs and other “character mugs” — handled cups shaped like the heads of figures from folklore and popular culture.
Royal Doulton china will always make an elegant yet not-too-formal appearance in a traditional table setting. Prices for dinner services vary according to size, age and condition, but generally range from $2,000 to $15,000.
Authentic Royal Doulton art pottery might be used by some as a bright decorative note; others collect the company’s figurines with the same interest and dedication as stamp and coin enthusiasts. A typical Toby Jug might fetch $50, while very rare figurines can sell for $7,000. Most of the finest Royal Doulton art pottery pieces sell for around $500.
As you will see on these pages, few decorative-arts companies are as aesthetically and stylistically diverse as Royal Doulton (and Doulton of Burslem). The firm truly offers something for everyone.
Find Doulton Burslem vases, pitchers, plates and other decorative objects and collectibles for sale on 1stDibs.
Edwardian ceramic Hydra Jug or Pitcher by Doulton in Jardinière Ptn, circa 1905
By Doulton Burslem
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good mid to large size pottery Hydra jug or Pitcher made by Doulton & Co of Nile Street, Burslem, Staffordshire, England which we date to the Edwardian period, Cir...
Pottery
Doulton Burslem Mint Green Hot Chocolate Set for 4 Gilt Gold & White Enamel
By Doulton Burslem
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare shape and specialized set that features beautiful cups with stylized handles unique to hot chocolate cups. Chocolate was a rare and e...
Porcelain
$2,200
H 8.25 in W 14.5 in D 14.5 in
DOULTON BURSLEM 19th CENTURY Cobalt Blue-Gold Leaf Large Punchbowl - Centerpiece
By Doulton Burslem
Located in Glenford, NY
Very Fine Rare 19th Century DOULTON Cobalt Blue with Gold Leaf overlay large floral Centerpiece - Footed Punchbowl in excellent condition. Manufactured when Doulton was in Burslem, E...
Porcelain
Majolica Glazed Ceramic Lemons Pitcher / Jug, Spain 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching realistic Majolica lemons jug / pitcher in multicolor glazed ceramic, Spain, 1950s-1960s. Hand-painted Manises ceramic decorative jug in the sh...
Ceramic, Majolica
French Terracotta Glazed Polychrome Jug or Pitcher, circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
The piece is distinguished by its polychrome decoration with marbled and dripped effects, blending shades of cream, ochre, brown, and green on a light yellow background. The glossy g...
Terracotta
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.25 in Dm 6 in
18th Century Spanish Talavera De La Reina Pitcher Jar Bucaro Botijo Antiques LA
By Artesania Talaverana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
18th Century Spanish Talavera De La Reina Pitcher Jar Bucaro Botijo Antiques LA Centerpiece Rustic. A beautiful 18th-early glazed ceramic pitcher jar made in Talavera de la Reina, Spain known for its ceramic tradition since the Roman times. Also called " búcaro " or botijo. these pitchers were made especially for holding water, or holy water, flowers. Most often they were made for the important homes and for wealthy families and some were made for convents and monasteries, and they would feature crests or coats-of-arms associated with various religious orders. this piece has stunning patterns and colors, the infinity in blie with yellow gold colors with the sun and the stars. Faience, natural clays and enamels , always conserving the traditional method dating back to the 16th century. Not to confuse this beautiful piece with The nice handmade pieces by the artisans from pueblo Mexico...
Ceramic, Pottery, Paint
T J & J Mayers Parian Jug or Pitcher
By T.J. & J. Mayer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
T J & J Mayers Parian jug or pitcher.
Ceramic
French Silver Hot Chocolate Pot or Coffee Pot, Puiforcat
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Paris, FR
Silver hot chocolate pot decorated with laurel garlands and gadroons. The lid is topped with a fruit bowl, and a rosewood handle is attached t...
Silver
Mason's Hydra Jug, Ironstone China, Japan Basket Pattern, circa 1840
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Worcester Park, GB
One of the most collectible forms in English ceramics, the Mason's Hydra jug is instantly recognisable — and this is a fine example. Produced by Mason's Patent Ironstone China betwe...
Ceramic
Pitcher or Jug in Stoneware Ceramic, Brown Color, France 1960, Old Patina
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This pitcher, in from France. In the style of French provencial, it is in an good condition. We can see it's old patina, in a green and brown color. It has been made circa 1960. It i...
Stoneware
$614
H 10 in W 7 in D 7 in
Mason's Patent Ironstone China Hydra jug in the classic blue Mandalay, circa1920
Located in Worcester Park, GB
An elegant and highly collectible Mason’s Ironstone “Mandalay” Hydra Jug in the classic blue colorway. This striking English ironstone piece ...
Ceramic
Majolica Glazed Ceramic Oranges Pitcher / Jug, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching realistic Majolica oranges jug / pitcher in orange and green glazed ceramic, Spain, 1950s-1960s. Hand-painted Manises ceramic decorative jug in the shape of a bunch of ...
Ceramic, Majolica
$2,500
H 8.67 in Dm 7.09 in
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted pitcher Model 356, Denmark, 1923-1934, hand-painted
By Royal Copenhagen
Located in Lejre, DK
This classic Royal Copenhagen pitcher, model 356, painted with the characteristic Blue Fluted pattern. The iconic, hand-painted blue pattern includes delicate flowers and winding br...
Porcelain
Doulton Burslem and Walker and Hall strawberry dessert set for two people C1900
By Doulton Burslem
Located in Central England, GB
A most unusual and decadent item and one that we have never seen before. This is a high quality strawberry or fruit set that has a large fitted stand which is beautifully made by the highly acclaimed silversmiths, Walker and Hall. It has a large decorative central handle with fitted sections for the cream jug, sugar bowl and spoon. All are elaborately cast with a foliate and flower decoration within a reeded frame. The two large circular compartments locate two wonderful quality original hand painted porcelain Doulton Burslem plates...
Silver Plate