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.
Wedgwood Black Basalt Gold Egyptian Revival Jewelry Box
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A vintage English Wedgwood Egyptian revival matte black basalt and gold jewelry box, circa 1970s, England. This matte black basalt stoneware box has a g...
Gold
Wedgwood Black Basalt Jewelry Dish Terracotta Amphora Neoclassical Style English
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Wedgwood Black Basalt Dish with Terracotta Amphora Medallion, England, 1930s A beautiful detailed diminutive black basalt (pin) dish by Wedgwood, featuring a central terracotta meda...
Stoneware
Italian Porcelain Vanity Box by L'Objet, Dark Charcoal Grey and Gold, Italy
Located in New York, NY
An Italian porcelain vanity bathroom vessel box in a matte dark charcoal grey and 24kt gold accent, made exclusively for Fortuny of Venice, Italy. Dimensions: 3" diameter x 3.75" hei...
Porcelain
Wedgwood Jasperware Dish with Scallop Seashell Design
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware plate or dish with scallop seashell design, circa 20th century, England. This piece is a matte stonew...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Italian Jewelry Box Seashell Form, Circa Mid-20th Century, Italy
Located in New York, NY
An Italian seashell‑form jewelry box with corduroy‑textured exterior and velvet interior, circa mid‑20th century, Italy. The box’s exterior features a rich corduroy textile in a seas...
Brass
Wedgwood Jasperware Jewelry Box
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A small English Wedgwood Jasperware jewelry or trinket box with flower design, circa late-20th century, England. Box is a beautiful matte stonewar...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Estée Lauder Gold Plated Seashell Solid Perfume Trinket Box Casket
Located in Honolulu, HI
A remarkable mid-century collectible vanity accessory, this solid perfume compact by Estée Lauder is sculpted in the iconic shape of a natural scallop shell. Expertly cast with substantial weight (94 grams), the box features rich, heavy gold-plated metalwork with fine realistic ridges and textures reminiscent of 20K–24K yellow gold. The removable top shell opens to reveal an inner metal tray original to its solid perfume housing, now seamlessly repurposed as a luxurious vanity trinket box, ring keeper, or paperweight object. Reflecting the mid-to-late 20th-century Hollywood Regency and nautical glamour aesthetic, this piece bridges functional vanity design with sculptural art. Presented in excellent vintage condition with a warm, pristine golden luster and minimal wear. A highly desirable find for collectors of vintage Estée Lauder...
Gold Plate
Antique black basalt Wall Plaque probably by Josiah Wedgwood, Circa 1860
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful wall plaque of a classical figure made from black basalt, probably by Josiah Wedgwood, circa 1860 It is oval in shaped with beautifully moulded detail. The maker...
Ceramic
Inlaid Black Shell and Bone Box by A&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous inlaid black shell and bone decorative trinket box by A&Y Augousti of Paris, circa 1990s. The box is made of wood with a intricate diamond pattern shell overlay and is in ex...
Bone, Shell, Wood
Antique Continental Basalt & Brass Basketweave Box - Possibly Wedgwood
By Wedgwood
Located in Atlanta, GA
Continental, early 20th century. A antique oval box made of brass and other metals. The box has a basketweave pattern to the exterior and an affixed basalt plaque to the top. The pl...
Brass
Art Deco Scallop Bronze Bowl by Niels Dam Ravn for Nordisk Malm, Denmark, 1930s.
By Evan Jensen, Just Andersen, Nordisk Malm, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Tinos
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful scallop shaped Art Deco / Scandinavian Modern bronze bowl with amazing patina. Designed by Niels Dam Ravn and made by Nordisk Malm in Denmark, 1930s. Good original con...
Bronze
Sophie Buhai Black Onyx Coquille Handcrafted Stone Box, USA
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sophie Buhai black onyx coquille handcrafted stone box, USA. Black Coquille Box. Handcrafted graphic onyx box in black. Measures: H1 x D4.5 in Made in United States. Discover the studio Founded in 2015, the Sophie Buhai brand offers heirloom-quality modernist jewelry and accessories, designed for everyday wear, that transcend generations and trends. The collections express a distinct visual language, melding elements of minimalism and surrealism with a thoughtful sense of proportion and scale. The brand debuted with an emphasis on contemporary interpretations of the modernist sterling silver jewelry...
Onyx
