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.
H 7.25 in W 5.38 in D 5.38 in
Wedgwood Crimson Jasperware Pitcher
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
This striking Wedgwood crimson dip bas-relief covered jug features an applied white jasper neoclassical decoration of grapevines bordering the rim. De...
Pottery
H 8.75 in W 10.5 in D 0.5 in
Regency Prattware Pearlware Plaque, Relief-Molded Lions, Circa 1800
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Spotted Lions",Rare Prattware Pottery Plaque, Circa 1800–1840 A compelling and rare English Prattware pottery plaque, dating from the Georgian or Regency period (circa 1800–1840...
Pearlware, Pottery
H 4.75 in W 8 in D 4.13 in
Staffordshire Pearlware Teapot by Ralph Wedgwood, Circa 1795
By Wedgwood
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Terra Tersia": A Staffordshire Pearlware Agate Surface Teapot with Gilding English, Circa 1795 This rare and sophisticated Staffordshire pearlware teapot...
Ceramic, Pearlware, Pottery
H 7 in Dm 8 in
Wedgwood Crimson Dip Jasper Ware Garden Pot
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
Etruria, Staffordshire, circa 1925, turned Wedgwood shape no. 317, stoneware with crimson Jasper dip ground, decorated with sprigged white Jasper bas-relief depictions of muses and A...
Stoneware
H 7 in Dm 8 in
Wedgwood Olive Green Dip Jasper Ware Garden Pot
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, 1910-1932, turned Wedgwood shape no. 317, stoneware with olive green Jasper dip ground, decorated with sprigged white Jasper bas-reli...
Stoneware
H 4.5 in Dm 5 in
1930s Wedgwood Crimson Dip Jasper Ware Garden Pot
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
Etruria, Staffordshire, 1929-1938 , turned Wedgwood shape no. 317, stoneware with crimson Jasper dip ground, decorated with sprigged white Jasper bas-relief classical cameos, ringed ...
Stoneware
Late Victorian Wedgwood Green Dip Jasper Ware Vase
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
Etruria, Staffordshire, late 19th/early 20th century, wheel-turned ovoid form vase shape number 1009 with white Jasper bas-relief depictions of muses, lion's masks, and draped flora,...
Stoneware
H 1 in W 10.5 in D 7.5 in
Two Wedgwood Olive Green Dip Jasper Ware Octagonal Trays
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
Josiah Wedgwood's own factory, Etruria, made these two trays in the Potteries region of England -- Stoke-on-Trent, in Staffordshire. They are white stoneware with olive green jasper ...
Stoneware
H 1.5 in W 2.5 in D 0.25 in
18th Century Wedgwood Four Color Dip Jasper Ware Medallion
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
Etruria, Staffordshire, c. 1790, octagonal wafer-thin white jasper with green jasper dip framing, lilac ground boarder with white jasper floral meander, central decoration with blue ...
Stoneware
18th Century Wedgwood Tricolor Dip Jasper Ware Basketweave Vase
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
Etruria, Staffordshire, c.1790, lilac dip white jasper body with vertical engine-turned stripes, ornamented with molded strips of green jasper strapwork, bolted to base with nut ceme...
Stoneware
