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.
Edwardian Wedgwood Tricolor Jasperware Campagna Urn
By Wedgwood
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique Edwardian Wedgwood tricolor jasperware campagna urn decorated with relief molded muses in shades of light blue and olive green with white spr...
Pottery
Wedgwood Tri-Colored Jasper Vase
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional and rare Wedgwood tri-colored jasper vase exemplifies that renowned firm’s classical artistry. Crafted of jasper, perhaps the greatest of Josiah Wedgwood’s porcelain innovations, in the shape of an ancient Greek calyx krater...
Ceramic
German Porcelain Two Handle Vase, Late 19th Century
Located in Astoria, NY
German Porcelain Two Handle Vase, late 19th century, with snake entwined handles, oval painted landscape panel, signed illegibly "A. Schu... (?)", with bands of roses and grape vine,...
Porcelain
19th Century Wedgwood Jasper Vase
By Wedgwood
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century Wedgwood light blue Jasper tripod vase complete with cover with applied white relief of foliage and bell flowers, the terminals with lion mask...
Porcelain
$377Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.91 in W 5.12 in D 4.34 in
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
Dresden Porcelain Vase, Hand-Painted, Charles X Style, 1840s
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Roma, IT
1840s Dresden Signed Hand-Painted Porcelain Vase Beautiful and rare circular vase with two handles, produced in Germany in the first half of the nineteenth century in the Charles X ...
Porcelain
Antique Neoclassical Blue, Gilt Porcelain de Sèvres Vase, France
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique porcelain Sèvres Medaillon vase with a beau blue ground, gilt ornaments, leaves decoration surrounding the portrait in medallion. The vase is in original good condition with ...
Porcelain
Beautiful 19th Century Painted NeoClassical Porcelain Bottle 1861 Prez Saxe
By Lalique
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is This beautiful antique bottle features a lovely Neoclassical Scene. The vase is painted a Turquoise Green and porcelain has relief details which...
Porcelain
19th Century Wedgwood Jasperware Campagne Urn
By Wedgwood
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century Wedgwood Jasperware twin handled campagne urn and cover, in the Neoclassical style, decorated with a frieze of Greek figures, with palmette borders in white on a blue ba...
Ceramic, Porcelain
19th Century Italian Signed Glazed Ceramic Vase
By Capodimonte
Located in Roma, IT
19th Century Italian Signed Glazed Ceramic Vase Beautiful white glazed ceramic vase from the famous Italian manufacturer Capodimonte. Decorated in pure gold. Signed on the base. Thi...
Ceramic
