Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops.
Wedgwood 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 company is also known for its black stoneware, Black Basalt, which imitates the color and shapes of Etruscan vases.
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 Josiah Wedgwood pottery, dinner plates, serving pieces and other furnishings and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Antique Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Creamware
Late 18th Century English Country Antique Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Creamware
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Earthenware
1980s English Neoclassical Vintage Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Stoneware
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Coral
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Ceramic, Clay
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Brass, Enamel
20th Century English Neoclassical Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Stoneware
Mid-19th Century French Antique Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Copper
Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Ceramic
Early 20th Century English American Classical Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Ceramic, Paint
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Ceramic
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Porcelain
20th Century English American Classical Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Ceramic
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Brass, Enamel
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Creamware
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Josiah Wedgwood Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Ceramic
