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 8.75 in W 5 in D 3.5 in
Pair of Antique Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Jars England, Circa 1775
By Wedgwood & Bentley
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Wedgwood & Bentley black basalt urns was crafted at the renowned Etruria factory around 1775. They show the refined simplicity of Wedgwood's 18th-century neoclassical de...
Stoneware
H 22 in W 11.25 in D 11.25 in
Wedgwood Black Basalt Two-Handled Urn
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
A remarkable example of Josiah Wedgwood's legendary ceramic art, the importance and rarity of this urn vase simply cannot be overstated. Black basalt refers to the fine-grained stoneware developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1760s that was inspired by the hard, natural stone known as Egyptian basalt...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Wedgwood Black and Gilt Basalt Covered Potpourri Vase, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
A wedgwood black and gilt basalt covered Potpourri vase, circa 1870.
Ceramic
H 12 in Dm 8.5 in
American Post-War Bentley Terra-Cotta Vase
By Robert Bentley
Located in Queens, NY
American Post-War Design terra cotta and black trimmed vase with 4 profiles of faces in relief. (by ROBERT BENTLEY)
Terracotta
H 9 in W 9.88 in D 9.88 in
Large Wedgwood Solid Black Basalt Neoclassical Jardiniere
By Wedgwood
Located in Doraville, GA
Wedgwood black basalt jardiniere, made in England around 1900. The jardiniere has a floral banded border above fruiting grapevine festoons terminatin...
Ceramic
H 3.25 in Dm 6 in
Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Inkstand
By Wedgwood & Bentley
Located in New Orleans, LA
This elegant inkwell set by Wedgwood & Bentley is crafted of black basalt, one of Wedgwood’s finest inventions. The set is comprised of two canisters, both held within an intriguing double stand. One is designed to hold ink and features a top with slots for quills or pens, and the other is a powder Shaker with a shell-ornamented lid. Black basalt refers to the fine-grained stoneware that Josiah Wedgwood, inspired by the hard, natural stone known as Egyptian basalt...
Ceramic
H 11.5 in W 5.25 in D 3.25 in
2 Pairs of Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Urns and Cassolette/Jars 18th Century
By Wedgwood & Bentley
Located in Katonah, NY
This set of four black basalt masterpieces, made by Wedgwood & Bentley at their Etruria works around 1775, represents the height of 18th-century English neoclassical design. Each pie...
Stoneware
H 7.09 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in
Small Early 19th-Century Wedgwood Balck Basalt Vase on a square base
By Wedgwood
Located in Dresden, DE
This early 19th-century Wedgwood black basalt vase is a rare find...beautifully proportioned and irresistibly versatile. Its rich, matte finish complements...
Stoneware
H 11.5 in Dm 4.5 in
Pair of Wedgwood Black Basalt Two-Handled Vases, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Decorated with a frieze of classical figures between a berried vine border and upright acanthus leaves. The neck similarly decorated with pendant trophies between upright handles.
Ceramic
H 11.5 in W 5.25 in D 3.25 in
Pair Antique Wedgwood Black Basalt Vases England Late 18th Century Circa 1775
By Wedgwood & Bentley
Located in Katonah, NY
This exceptional pair of antique black basalt vases was made by Wedgwood & Bentley in the late 18th century, circa 1775. The vases are sculpted in deep solid relief with bacchanalia...
Stoneware
