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.
French handpainted ceramic bouillabaisse set by Proceram, Aubagne, Circa 1960
Located in Paris, FR
Superb bouillabaisse set in faience by Proceram, Aubagne, consisting of fifteen pieces, circa 1960 and hand-painted. This refined ensemble exemplifies the excellence of Aubagne’s cra...
Ceramic
Tureen asparagus dish, in style of luneville
Located in Paris, FR
Discover this rare 19th-century polychrome earthenware set, featuring a covered asparagus server with a matching platter. This French Barbotine asparagus server is a true collector's...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
Fish Dish Painted by Painted by Froment-Richard Creil & Montereau "Le Parisien"
By Creil et Montereau
Located in Paris, FR
This wonderful incredibly colorful fish dish was realized by Creil & Montereau earthenware circa 1880. It is representing "La pêche aux bébés" ("Fishing for Babys") Slightly chantourné shape, representing a couple fishing for babies in a lake at sunrise, the baby caught waiting for a square aquarium. Signed bottom left, "fr.richard" and Creil stamp on the back. Le Parisien set is telling the story of a young Parisian boy discovering the countryside, with many scenes so charming. Decorated with a brown rim enhanced with groups of three petals, the whole set depicts a fantastic and humorous universe with part of imaginary characters who cook and play with vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. This design set is the most famous of the factory Creil & Montereau, designed by the French artist and painter Antoine-Albert Richard (1845-1921) said "Froment-Richard". Book pictures...
Ceramic
"Cartels" Faïence Fine Service by Creil & Montereau, 1884-1920
By Creil et Montereau
Located in Paris, FR
Faïence fine (lead-glazed earthenware) service "Cartels", manufactured by the French firm Creil & Montereau between 1884 and 1920. Engravings by Pierre L...
Earthenware
Serving Dish Choisy-le-Roi for L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By Choisy-le-Roi, L'Escalier de Cristal
Located in Paris, FR
Introducing the "Grands Oiseaux" footed plate, an elegant piece hailing from the iconic Escalier de Cristal, the premier tableware store of the 19th century. This exquisite plate fe...
Ceramic
Wedgwood Tazza Very Decorative with 3 Dolphins Stand, 19th Century
By Wedgwood
Located in Paris, FR
This Wedgwood tazza is decorative Delphin is a brightly decorated compote presented as a large clamshell mounted on three dolphins on a three-point bas...
Majolica
Danish Porcelain Lobster Bowl by Erik Nielsen for Royal Copenhagen
By Royal Copenhagen
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Porcelain Lobster Bowl by Erik Nielsen for Royal Copenhagen, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1920 to 1949 This piece has an attribution mark. Ad...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Large Ceramic Lobster-Topped Italian Soup Tureen
Located in Austin, TX
A rare one-of-a-kind find! This lobster-topped soup tureen makes me smile. I'm ready to drop everything and gather my family and friends for a hearty dinner al fresco. This is an ...
Ceramic
Royal Copenhagen Vintage Danish Porcelain Lobster Dish, circa 1924
By Royal Copenhagen
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine early vintage Danish Royal Copenhagen porcelain dish molded with a lobster dating from circa 1924. The shallow dish is heavily made and formed as a basket with a moulded baske...
Porcelain
A Wedgwood Majolica Red Lobster Plate on Cobalt Ground, English, Dated 1882
By Wedgwood
Located in Banner Elk, NC
A Wedgwood Majolica Lobster Plate, with the central figure of a red-glazed lobster on sea greens on a cobalt blue ground, and with relief molded...
Majolica
Antique Finger Bowl, English, Decorative Ceramic Serving Dish, Victorian, C.1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique finger bowl. An English, decorative ceramic serving dish, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Charming bowl with an ap...
Ceramic
1960's Italian Hand Painted Lobster Soup Tureen with Underplate
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A whimsical hand painted Italian ceramic tureen with lobster. The lobster lid with shell design on bowl with original ladel and underplate. Marked on bottom "Italy".
Ceramic
