Wedgwood Ceramics
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.
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Creator: Wedgwood
Wedgwood Black Basalt Bust of George Stephenson
By Wedgwood
Located in Montreal, QC
Black basalt bust of George Stephenson, (1781-1848), British railway engineer, considered the father of the modern railway builder of the famous Roc...
Category
Early 20th Century English Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Pair Wedgwood Egyptian Revival Black Basalt Sphinxes Made 18th Century, England
By Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
These stunning Wedgwood black basalt sphinxes are a true masterpiece of Wedgwood craftsmanship and artistry. These mythical creatures are a sight to behold with their majestic woman's head, mighty lion's body, and elegant wings.
Each sphinx sits atop a raised rectangular base, adorned with a geometric design of circles and fleur-de-lis.
Each sphinx features a 'lotus flower' nozzle to hold candles, adding a touch of whimsy and charm.
Made in the eighteenth century, circa 1785, these sphinxes showcase Wedgwood's exceptional attention to detail and dedication to quality. The underside of each sphinx is marked with an impressed "Wedgwood" signature in lowercase letters. With a height of 10.2", a depth of 7", and a width of 3.6", these sphinxes are truly imposing in size and presence. In excellent condition, this pair is a rare and highly coveted find for collectors of Wedgwood black basalt.
Reference: "The Dictionary of Wedgwood" R Reilly and G Savage pg 323.
Dimensions: 10.2" height x 7" deep x 3.6" wide
Condition: Excellent with tiny edge chips invisibly restored
Price: $6,600
Background of Wedgwood black basalt:
In the mid-18th century, Josiah Wedgwood created black stoneware, which he named "Black Basalt," as it resembled Egyptian basalt...
Category
Late 18th Century English Egyptian Revival Antique Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
State of Georgia Jasperware Collectible Plate in Blue and Cream by Wedgwood
By Wedgwood
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful collectible plate by Wedgwood. This is the perfect piece for the true southerner. This decorative plate or vide poche would make a fantastic catchall. The motif is dedicated to the state of Georgia. The center bears the State Seal in an applied cream and says State of Georgia 1776.
Around the rim, are applied cream stars. A well designed room is all in the details. And this small decorative...
Category
20th Century English American Classical Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large Wedgwood Pedestal Bowl Centrepiece Stone China Ptn 1156, circa 1840
By Wedgwood
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a rare, beautiful and large ironstone Pedestal footed bowl or centrepiece made by Wedgwood Stone China in pattern No. 1156, in the early to ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Ironstone
Antique 18th Century Wedgwood Creamware Basket Form Double Salt Cellar
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An 18th century Wedgwood creamware double salt cellar.
The form consisting of two basket (or pail-form) bowls joined at the rim and connected by ...
Category
Late 18th Century British George III Antique Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Creamware
Ecuelle, or Soup Bowl, Wedgwood, C1790
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Covered bowl, perhaps for soup, in black basalt with ‘Etruscan’ encaustic painting.
Category
Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Antique Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Wedgwood Majolica Shell-Form Spoon Warmer, circa 1872
By Wedgwood
Located in Downingtown, PA
Wedgwood Majolica shell-form spoon warmer,
circa 1872.
The warmer is naturalistically modeled as a large shell in sky blue and amaranth.
Marks: Script in red M2954 and M below also...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Majolica
Navette, with Ladle, Wedgwood, C1790
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An extraordinary navette, or cream boat, in black basalt with encaustic decoration. Complete with matching ladle: a rare find indeed.
Category
Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Antique Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Antique English Octagonal Plate with Bird and Palm Tree Design by Wedgwood
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English octagonal decorated pate by Wedgwood, early -20th century, England. Plate has a modern octagonal shape, decorated with birds, flowers, and a beautiful palm tree a...
Category
Early 20th Century English Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Wedgwood Black Basalt and Encaustic Enamel Rum Kettle
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by Wedgwood, this rare, round-shaped rum kettle is comprised of black basalt and features a molded bail handle and glazed interior. Referred to as “...
Category
Early 19th Century English Classical Greek Antique Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Enamel
Antique Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Woodland Bridge Bowl Daisy Makeig-Jones 1920
By Wedgwood
Located in Portland, OR
An antique Wedgwood Fairyland lustre "K'ang Hsi" bowl, designed by Daisy-Makeig Jones, circa 1920. The exterior decorated in the 'Woodland Bridge' design on a deep blue ground. The interior with a variation of the 'Garden in Paradise' design, with elves dancing in a woodland setting . Cobble beaded border to the foot rim. With the Wedgwood Portland vase...
Category
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Daisy Makeig-Jones Wedgwood Butterfly Lustre Box
By Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre, Daisy Makeig-Jones, Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A mother-of-pearl lustre box with orange lustre interior and decorated with polychrome butterflies outlined in gold, designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones circa 1920.
Designer Daisy Make...
Category
1920s English Art Nouveau Vintage Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Luster, Porcelain
Pair Large Wedgwood Bowls Made in England, circa 1820
By Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
A pair of large Wedgwood bowls their borders painted with a lovely, delicate vine with lavender and lavender-pink flowers and green leaves.
They are understated and beautiful!
The u...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Wedgwood Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware
Wedgwood ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.
Wedgwood ceramics are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Wedgwood ceramics, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original ceramics by Wedgwood were created in the neoclassical style in united kingdom during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider ceramics by and Wedgewood. Prices for Wedgwood ceramics can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $120 and can go as high as $9,850, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $650.
Creators Similar to Wedgwood
Questions About Wedgwood Ceramics
- Where is Wedgwood from?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wedgwood is from Stoke-on-Trent, UK. Josiah Wedgwood founded it there in 1759. The company continues to produce its porcelain, china and other products at factories in the surrounding area. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of Wedgwood decorative objects.
- Is Wedgwood valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Whether Wedgwood is valuable varies. Some pieces may be worth only slightly more than the initial price paid for them, while others may have appreciated in value considerably due to their style, type, age and rarity. Some of the most highly sought-after types of Wedgwood include Queen's Ware, Jasperware, Black Basalt, Majolica and Fairyland Lustre pieces. The condition of a particular piece will also contribute to its value. To get an estimate of how much your Wedgwood is worth, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Wedgwood pieces.
- How do I date Wedgwood?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To date Wedgwood, locate the potter's marks. Find the marks in an authoritative online reference to estimate the date. Because many replicas of authentic Wedgwood exist, consider using the services of a licensed appraiser for authentication. Shop a large collection of expertly vetted Wedgwood on 1stDibs.
- What is a Wedgwood plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Wedgwood plate is a flat round dish produced by Wedgwood, a manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent, UK, that opened in 1759. Depending on the design, the plates may function purely as decorative objects or be suitable for serving food. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Wedgwood plates.
- Is there black Wedgwood?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, there are black Wedgwood pieces. While Wedgwood china and porcelain is best known for its signature blue and white, some Wedgwood pieces are available in black and other colors as well. Shop a wide selection of Wedgwood collectibles on 1stDibs.
- What is the history of Wedgwood?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wedgwood is a fine china and porcelain manufacturer. Established in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood in England, Wedgwood is known for its unglazed stoneware that features contrasting colors. Find a variety of Wedgwood fine china from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is the Wedgwood mark?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Wedgwood marks changed many times from the manufacturer's founding in 1759 until today. Very early pieces often say "Wedgwood and Bentley," while most pieces made from 1769 to 1929 say "Wedgwood" in block letters. In 1929, the brand began to use a serif script. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Wedgwood.
- Is Wedgwood still being made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Wedgwood is still being made as of December 2021. The company produces fine china and porcelain decorative objects. Potter Josiah Wedgwood founded it on May 1, 1759, in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Today, the Finnish company Fiskars Group owns it. You'll find a collection of Wedgwood on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To tell if Wedgwood is real, study the mark of the brand. Ensure that the name is spelled properly with just one "E" and that the letters and logo are crisp and clear. Also, examine the white accents on the piece. If they seem flat and painted on, they are likely fake, as they appear raised on genuine Wedgwood. You'll find a range of expertly vetted Wedgwood on 1stDibs.
- What is green Wedgwood called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Green Wedgwood is called jasperware. Josiah Wedgwood created the first jasperware pieces in 1775. In addition to green, the pottery comes in pale blue, dark blue, black, yellow and lavender colors. On 1stDibs, find a selection of jasperware decorative objects.
- What is black Wedgwood called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Black Wedgwood pieces were also known as basaltes ware or black basaltes, manufactured by Josiah Wedgwood and named after the volcanic rock basalt. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Wedgwood Black Basalt pieces from some of the top sellers around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024To tell how old your Wedgwood is, examine it for markings. Most Wedgwood pieces bear factory marks in an inconspicuous area, such as on the bottom or back. By comparing these markings to trusted online resources, you can usually get a rough idea of a piece’s age. For assistance with dating a particular piece, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or experienced dealer. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Wedgwood pottery.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The numbers on Wedgwood tell you which catalog edition first featured the piece. You can use the information to identify the style name and approximate date of Wedgwood. On 1stDibs, you can shop a variety of expertly vetted Wedgwood ceramics.
- What is Wedgwood Blue in Jasperware?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Blue Wedgwood Jasperware is a type of intricately detailed, matte pottery with an unglazed finish. Its pale blue color has been affectionately called ‘Wedgwood blue’. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic blue Wedgwood Jasperware from some of the world’s top sellers.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wedgwood blue is a distinct pale blue that’s commonly used in Jasperware. Jasperware is a type of pottery developed in England during the late 18th century by Josiah Wedgwood. Shop a collection of antique Jasperware from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Jasperware was first created by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1770s and can be described as stoneware that has a matte finish. It is from the Wedgwood company so the difference is that Wedgwood is a term used to describe the company and all products it produces, while Jasperware is a line of fine stoneware produced by the company. Shop a collection of Wedgwood Jasperware from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Wedgwood bone china?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Wedgwood is bone china. According to its website, bone china is considered one of the most refined and luxurious materials for table use, no matter what the meal or occasion. Wedgwood has a long history of high-quality and luxurious bone china. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic bone china pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wedgwood blue is a color named after its appearance on jasperware pottery. It is a soft gray-ish toned blue. It would often be accented by white decoration on the pottery. Shop a range of Wedgwood blue jasperware from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wedgwood is made with bone china, which is a type of porcelain. The fine bone china brand was founded in England in 1759, and is still considered one of the top porcelain makers of today. You can find antique and contemporary Wedgwood designs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Whether Wedgwood pottery is worth anything depends on a few factors. Age and type have a great impact on price, with the lilac and green jasperware from the 18th century being among the most collectible of Wedgwood's creations. The condition of the pieces will also affect how much they are worth. To obtain an estimated valuation of a particular piece, seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Wedgwood pottery.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022It depends. The majority of Wedgwood products are made in Indonesia, with select high-end products like hand-painted figurines and the brand’s iconic blue and white china still being made in the UK. You can find antique and contemporary Wedgwood pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.