Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops.
Wedgwood 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 company is also known for its black stoneware, Black Basalt, which imitates the color and shapes of Etruscan vases.
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 Josiah Wedgwood pottery, dinner plates, serving pieces and other furnishings and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Wedgwood Aesthetic Majolica Tortoise Shell Glazed Char Fish Dish, circa 1878
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rarely seen wedgwood char dish, an Aesthetic Movement mold showing a pair of fish in a deep dish glazed to resemble tortoise shell. Char is a fresh-water m...
Earthenware
Samuel Alcock Majolica Tray, Strawberry & Grape Motif, England, 1850
By Samuel Alcock & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica glazed handled and footed tray from Samuel Alcock & Co, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1850. A strawberry, grape cluster, floral and leaf motif on a shaped ...
Earthenware
Adams & Bromley English Majolica Geranium Motto Bread Tray
By Adams & Bromley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English majolica glazed bread tray made by Adams & Bromley, circa 1875. An oval tray with a rolled rim brown border showing a motto molded in raised ...
Earthenware
George Jones English Palissy Majolica Glazed Three-Piece Sardine Serving Box
By George Jones
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Stoke-On-Trent pottery works of George Jones, a spectacular three-piece Majolica sardine box, Staffordshire, England, dated 1870. In a lovely soft color palette of lilac ...
Earthenware
Wedgwood Majolica Covered Cow Butter Server – date marked 1875
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, a rustic covered butter server with a cow finial, Staffordshire England – date marked 1875. An extremely rare example of 19th Century Agrarian Nostalgia. Glazed in m...
Earthenware
Josiah Wedgwood Pembroke Castle Platter, Staffordshire, Circa 1820
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, a ‘Pembroke Castle’ pattern transferware platter, Burslem, Staffordshire, circa 1820-1840. An earthenware body showing a central image of sailors rowing to and from a...
Earthenware
Majolica Tray Is By Minton
Located in Tampa, FL
This majolica tray is by Minton. There is mark but not very clear. Circa 1890s, England.
Majolica
Majolica George Jones Fox Serving Tray circa 1869
By George Jones
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant pink Majolica serving dish decorated with a three green vine leaves, the handle formed as a fox peering into the bowl with its tail appearing on the mottled underside signed ...
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
19th Century Majolica George Jones Fox Serving Tray
By George Jones
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica serving dish decorated with a three green vine leaves, the handle formed as a fox peering into the bowl with its tail appearing on the mottled underside signed George Jones.
Ceramic
Wedgwood Majolica Tray, circa 1907
By Wedgewood
Located in High Point, NC
Wedgwood green Majolica tray in the form of a leaf and basket design with a handle. Impressed mark on the back.
Porcelain
Wedgwood Majolica Sardinia Sardine Box
By Wedgwood
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Wedgwood Majolica sardine box which features a fishing boat named 'SARDINIA', with fish in nets at either end. An anchor forms the handle. Colouration: brown, blue, grey, are predomi...
Majolica
Late 19th Century Wedgwood Green Majolica Sweetmeat Dish
By Wedgewood
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century Wedgwood Green Majolica Sweetmeat Dish. Oblong shaped form. Designed as a basket with strawberry leaves - excellent decoration with shading for depth. Stamped: Wedg...
Porcelain
