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 Jasperware Jardiniere or Planter with Classical Figures, 1930s
By Wedgwood
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Jasperware stoneware Jardiniere or Cache Pot, made by Wedgwood, England and dating to circa 1930s. The jardiniere has a lovely shape, very much like a brush pot...
Pottery, Stoneware, Ceramic
Mason's Ironstone Spill Vase or Beaker in Japan Willow Pattern, circa 1850
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good spill vase or beaker made by Mason's ironstone, Lane Delph, England in the mid 19th century, circa 1850. The pattern is called Japan Willow...
Ironstone
Masons Ironstone Vase in Blue Hawthorne Pattern (No. 2), Circa 1830
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an ironstone Vase in the blue Hawthorne and fence and bowl pattern, made by Mason's Ironstone of Lane Delph, Staffordshire, England, during the first half of the 19th century...
Ironstone
Mason's Ironstone Vase in Blue Hawthorne Pattern, Circa 1830
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an ironstone Vase in the blue Hawthorne and fence and bowl pattern, made by Mason's Ironstone of Lane Delph, Staffordshire, England, during the first half of the 19th century...
Ironstone
Mason's Ironstone Vase in a Rare Relief Moulded Pattern, English, circa 1840
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a rare ironstone vase, made by the Mason's factory in the early 19th century. The vase is hexagonal in section with a baluster shape and two salamander handles, one either...
Pottery, Ironstone
Chinese Ming Small Vase porcelain blue and white Wanli /Transitional, Ca 1625-40
By The Hatcher Collection
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted 17th century, late Ming dynasty, porcelain Jar or small Vase hand painted in a blue and white figural scene, which we attribute to the Wanli / transitional period, circa 1625 - 1640. This piece may be from the Hatcher shipwreck cargo but we have no certificate or paperwork to support this. Please note, since the Hatcher collection was auctioned by Christies in 1984/1985 ( 40 years ago) many pieces have now lost their original auction paperwork and certification. The Jar/ Vase is fairly thickly potted with a very white glaze to the porcelain. It is decorated with a man and a boy stood against a tree with rocks, mountains and flying bats in the background all hand painted in various shades of a clear under-glaze cobalt blue. The irregular shaped head, bald high forehead, and straight pencilled beard with moustache support this date and period. Overall a good Chinese Ming period porcelain small vase. Notes: The Hatcher Cargo...
Porcelain
Wedgwood Cane Yellow Jasperware Vase, Neoclassical Cherubs, 12.5" Tall
By Wedgwood
Located in London, England
A beautiful and collectible small Jasperware vase crafted by the renowned English pottery manufacture, Wedgwood. While Wedgwood is famous for its iconic pale blue pieces, this vase f...
Jasper
Neoclassical Style Italian Blue Majolica Cherubs Vase, circa 1950
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely vintage Italian soft blue majolica vase decorated with frolicking cherubs or putti surrounded by draped floral garland and bows. No maker's mark. It displays beautifully, pe...
Ceramic
Wedgwood blue and white jasperware vases
By Wedgwood
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Lovely pair of Wedgwood jasperware vases, beautiful neoclassical style item decorated with white antique-style scenes on a sky-blue background...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Arts and Crafts Wedgwood Green Dip Jasper Ware Bud Vase
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, late 19th/early 20th century, vase shape 1487 in its smallest iteration with three applied white jasper cameos, impressed "WEDGWOOD/E...
Stoneware
Wedgwood Encaustic Ewer
By Wedgwood
Located in Sarasota, FL
Wedgwood basalt encaustic ewer with ancient Greek inspired decoration on both sides. The shape is also inspired by a Greek wine jug, known as...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Wedgwood. Neoclassical Revival style ceramic vase, England, 1960s
By Wedgwood
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Wedgwood ceramic jug, England, 60s. English ceramic piece in olive green tone and white embossed details representing mythological scenes. Perfect condition. Marked and stamped on th...
Ceramic
