Wedgwood Pottery
British
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 Pair Floral Rimmed Majolica Pottery Plates
By Wedgwood
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine pair antique English majolica floral rimmed pottery plates by Wedgwood and dated 1872. The lightly potted plates are of simple rounded form standing on a round foot with a sli...
Category
1870s English Arts and Crafts Antique Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Majolica, Pottery
Pair Modern Wedgwood Tricolor Jasper Stoneware Two Branch Candlesticks
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
Barlaston, Staffordshire, c.2002, each with solid green capitals and branches suspended by a seated white figure on a blue plinth decorated with white bas-relief meander, embossed in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Stoneware
Wedgwood Majolica Grape Vine & Basket Compote
By Wedgwood
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Wedgwood Majolica compote which features vine leaves and grapes on a basket weave ground. Colouration: green, brown, blue, are predominant. The piece ...
Category
1870s English Victorian Antique Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Earthenware
Six Wedgwood Majolica Argenta 'Lincoln' Pattern Dessert Dishes
By Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Six Wedgwood majolica Argenta palette ‘Lincoln' pattern dessert plates with finely molded maroon prunus blossoms and dark taupe pine branches surrounded by a yellow Greek key border. The dishes are decorated in the japonisme style and feature the “Three Friends of Winter” motif, an Asian artistic convention showing the pine, plum, and bamboo together to represent steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience.
The Wedgwood factory introduced muted Argenta glazes to its majolicas in the 1880s to keep up with ever-changing fashions. The Argenta glaze color palette was more subdued than that of traditionally vibrant majolica, and was thus more appealing to the Aesthetic Movement japonisme style that pervaded the market. These Argenta majolica dessert dishes...
Category
Late 19th Century English Japonisme Antique Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Earthenware, Majolica
Big Framed Jasper Medallion, Clio by Bert Bentley, Wedgwood, circa 1925
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Unusually large and fine example of the work of the well-known decorator Bert Bentley. Clio, the muse of History, is reproduced with the exceptional quality that has made his work so desirable.
Clio is the Greek muse...
Category
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Revival Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Stoneware
Art Nouveau Gourd Vase, Wedgwood, circa 1905
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A rare example of Wedgwood’s excursion into Art Nouveau, in the form of a gourd shaped vase decorated with butterflies, designed by Courtney Lindsay in 1901.
Exhibited: Wedgwood, Ma...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Earthenware
Enormous Portrait Medallion of Dr Priestly, Bert Bentley, Wedgwood, circa 1925
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Fabulously large and fine example of the work of the well-known decorator Bert Bentley. Very few portrait medallions of this size were made, in all the time that Wedgwood has been making portrait medallions.
Priestly's advocacy for free speech and freedom of religion...
Category
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Revival Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Stoneware
Portrait Medallions David Garrick & Sarah Siddons, Wedgwood, 19th Century
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A matched pair of portrait medallions showing the famous actors Mr Garrick (C1830) and Mrs Siddons, (circa 1880). Framed as a pair, they work well together.
David Garrick and Sarah Siddons...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Pottery
Set of 12 Plates, Aesop Fables, Wedgwood, circa 1860
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A set of 12 plates in creamware, in the Spanish shape. Each is hand-painted with an illustration from one of Æsop’s fables, and carries a title painted o...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Romantic Antique Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Creamware
Pair of Rosso Antico Candlesticks, Wedgwood, circa 1820
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A rare pair of bell shaped candlesticks in rosso antico, with black decoration of ‘Boys at Play’.
Category
Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Stoneware
Portrait Medallion of The Comtesse du Barry, Wedgwood C1920
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Tricolour portrait medallion of the last Maîtresse-en-titre (official mistress) of Louis XV.
Produced by Bert Bentley from the 18th century model, with his usual excellent detail...
Category
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Revival Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Ink Well with Chinese Flowers decoration, Wedgwood, circa 1820
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An ink well, mode according to Wedgwood's patent, which stopped the ink from evaporating. Made in black basalt, with a form of decoration known as 'Chinese Flowers...
Category
Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Revival Antique Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Stoneware
Portrait Medallion of Pitt the Elder, Wedgwood C1920
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A fine tricolour portrait medallion of the First Earl of Chatham (1708-1778), a Whig statesman who led Britain during the Seven Years’ War.
Orna...
Category
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Revival Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Wedding Plate in cremware, Wedgwood C1786
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A creamware plate, with transfer printed decoration. From a service probably ordered to commemorate the wedding of John Peter and Ann Du Port, of Guernsey.
The plate is of plain cre...
Category
Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Antique Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Creamware
Bincentenary Wine Cooler, Wedgwood, circa 1950
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Two handled vase in creamware, with moonstone glaze and platinum lustre decoration. Designed by Louise Powell for the bicentenary of Wedgwood’s birth.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Wedgwood Pottery
Materials
Earthenware
Wedgwood pottery for sale on 1stDibs.
Wedgwood pottery 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 pottery, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original pottery 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 pottery by Spode, and Josiah Spode. Prices for Wedgwood pottery can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $99 and can go as high as $285,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,675.
Questions About Wedgwood Pottery
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 can you tell Wedgwood?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024To tell Wedgwood apart from other makers, familiarize yourself with the markings used by the company over the years. You can usually find images of them on trusted online resources. Wedgwood typically etched its markings directly onto its pieces, so unlike paper labels, the hallmarks typically remain intact even on older items. By searching your piece for the appropriate markings, you can usually determine whether Wedgwood produced it. If you'd like an expert opinion, a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can assist you. Explore a diverse assortment of Wedgwood china and porcelain.
- 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 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell how old a Wedgwood is, start by examining its markings. Because the marks the British maker added to its pieces changed over the years, the style and wording of what appears on your piece can help you date it. Refer to trusted online resources for images of Wedgwood's historic marks and then compare them to what's found on your item to narrow down the production date to a specific time frame. From there, you can explore Wedgwood catalogues and image galleries for the years within that period, looking for pieces that match yours to further narrow down the range of potential manufacturing dates. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer, who can date your Wedgwood piece for you. Find a diverse assortment of Wedgwood pottery 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 ExpertMay 5, 2023Wedgwood jewelry is made of unglazed vitreous stoneware called jasperware. Settings are marcasite, steel, gold or silver, depending on the piece. Shop an assortment of Wedgwood jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 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.
- 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, 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.
- 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, 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.