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.
Antique Wedgwood Creamware Dish Hand Painted, England Circa 1780
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
This shaped Wedgwood creamware dish, hand-painted circa 1780, presents the quiet elegance characteristic of late 18th-century English creamware. The gently undulating rim frames a so...
Creamware
Three Wedgwood Creamware Plates 18th Century Showing Landscapes of England
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
This rare set of three creamware plates was made in England by Wedgwood in the 18th century, circa 1780. Each plate is decorated with a finely detailed black transfer-printed landsca...
Creamware
Wedgwood Butter Yellow Potpourri or Bough Pot
By Wedgwood, Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A pale butter yellow Wedgwood potpourri dish in the Neoclassical style, made in the early 19th century around 1820. The dish features a patterned deco...
Stoneware
Pair Wedgwood Caneware Saucers with Neoclassical Relief Borders England C. 1810
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of early 19th-century Wedgwood caneware saucers shows the elegant restraint that defines the firm’s neoclassical production of the Regency period. Made in the characteristi...
Stoneware
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
$1,603
H 5.91 in W 13.39 in D 7.09 in
20th Century Metal Shell and Coral Decorative Dish Vide-Poche or Plate Pergay
By Maria Pergay
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
In the style of Maria Pergay Realised, circa 1960 Elegant dish called "mendiant" in metal and coral Very chic object with two shells and a coral handle...
Coral
French 19th Century Copper Fish Pan
Located in Round Top, TX
A very lovely mid-19th century copper fish pan - poissoniere - from the South of France. A terrific accent piece for a kitchen, bathroom or living area.
Copper
$192Sale Price|30% Off
H 0.5 in Dm 4.38 in
English Wedgwood Jasperware Jewelry Dish Neoclassical Design
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware sage green and white round jewelry dish with neoclassical design, circa 20th century, 1979, England...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
$156Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.75 in W 17 in D 14.75 in
Vintage Mid Century Kyes Moire’ Glaze Brass and Enamel Green Tray 1960s
By Kyes Company
Located in San Diego, CA
A piece of Southern California glamorous history, this vintage handmade Moire Glaze Kyes tray is composed of hammered metal with an enamel finish and double ...
Brass, Enamel
Wedgwood Flame Fairyland Lustre Imperial Bowl
By Wedgwood
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre imperial bowl, the exterior decorated in, 'Leapfrogging Elves' design on a sunset sky, flame ground. Mother of pearl ground to the interior, with fairies, e...
Pottery
Blue Wedgwood Jasperware Trinket Dish with White Relief, England
By Wedgwood
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A classic of British design: an authentic blue Wedgwood jasperware dish with crisp white neoclassical relief. Crafted in England, this petite tray showcases the matte, powder-blue bo...
Ceramic, Clay
$180Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.75 in W 15.5 in D 9 in
Vintage Mid Century Kyes Moire’ Glaze Brass and Enamel Green Tray 1960s
By Kyes Company
Located in San Diego, CA
A piece of Southern California glamorous history, this vintage handmade Moire Glaze Kyes tray is composed of hammered metal with an enamel finish and double ...
Brass, Enamel
Wedgwood Black Basalt Sculptural Shell Bowl, England, 1960s
By Wedgwood
Located in Glasgow, GB
A sculptural black basalt shell bowl by Wedgwood, made in England circa the 1960s as part of the manufacturer's Basalt range. Slip-cast in black stoneware, the bowl takes the form o...
Enamel
$788
H 2.76 in Dm 5.52 in
Mid Century Wedgwood Black Jasperware Small Round Bowl with Neoclassical Relief
Located in Nottingham, GB
Crisp white sprigged decoration wraps around the exterior of this small round bowl, set in sharp contrast against a fine matte black jasper body. Applied in detailed bas-relief, the ...
Black Basalt
$385
H 0.38 in Dm 3 in
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
18th century English creamware baskets and plates
Located in Delft, NL
18th century English creamware baskets and plates A set of 2 oval open woven baskets on an oval dish with open basket weave pattern rims and handles of a thin twisted pattern, decor...
Earthenware
$950 / set
H 1.75 in Dm 9 in
Set of Three Early 19th Century Wedgwood Creamware Pattern No. 892 Serving Bowls
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare group of wedgwood creamware bowls. In the neoclassical pattern no. 892 with a cobalt blue and gold border. Diameters: just under 9 in., just over 8 3/4 in., and just ove...
Creamware
Wedgwood Crimson Jasper Jardinière
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
The classical elegance of Wedgwood is showcased in this rare crimson jasperware jardinière. The highly prized vivid crimson hue of the vessel is beautifully accented by white flowere...
Stoneware
$200
H 1.58 in W 6.3 in D 3.15 in
Wedgwood, England, Small Dish in Green Stoneware with Classicist Scenes
Located in København, Copenhagen
Wedgwood, England. Small dish in green stoneware with classicist scenes in white, circa 1930. Measures: 16 x 8.5 cm. Stamped. In very good condition.
Stoneware
French Majolica Wire Basket Salins circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica wire basket Salins circa 1890. Grapes and leaves.
Metal
Wedgwood Creamware Plate Hand Painted Purple Flower England c1765
By James Bakewell, Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
This Wedgwood creamware plate, made in England circa 1765, is hand-painted with a finely drawn purple flower at the center, surrounded by a delicate neoclassical garland border. This...
Creamware
Sold
H 5 in W 8 in D 5 in
18th Century Wedgwood Creamware Tureen & Plate with Flowers by Bakewell Ca.1765
By James Bakewell, Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
This rare 18th-century Wedgwood creamware tureen and matching plate were made at the Wedgwood factory in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, cir...
Creamware
Sold
H 2.75 in Dm 8 in
Antique Wedgwood Creamware Plate & Cup with Radiating Pattern England Circa 1790
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
This Wedgwood creamware plate and handled cup were made in England circa 1790. Both pieces feature a hand-painted border of radiating neoclassical design, rendered in striking red an...
Creamware
Wedgwood Creamware 18th Century Part Service
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
The set was hand painted at Wedgwood, in England, circa 1785. The borders are decorated with a delicate band of green leaves and berries on the vine, and the edges are painted brown....
Creamware
Sold
H 2.75 in Dm 3.25 in
2 Wedgwood English Jasperware Pale Green & Gray Neoclassical Jewelry Trinket Box
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Set of 2 English Wedgwood Jasperware covered jewelry, keepsake or trinket box in Wedgwood pale Green and gray. Features a repeating motif of white, high relief Grape Vine l...
Ceramic