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.
Cups and saucers by Alfred Lanternier for Limoges, France, 1920s
Located in Delft, NL
Cups and saucers by Alfred Lanternier for Limoges, France, 1920s Six porcelain cups and saucers, made by Alfred Lanternier for Limoges, France, in the 1920s. The cups and saucers ar...
Porcelain
Herend Hungary Porcelain "Rothschild" Cups and saucers
By Herend
Located in Delft, NL
Herend Hungary Porcelain "Rothschild" Cups and saucers A Herend Hungary porcelain set with six cups and saucers. The saucers measures 14 c...
Porcelain
Tête-à-tête tea service Wedgwood
By Wedgwood
Located in Delft, NL
Tête-à-tête tea service by Wedgwood A Black on yellow cane Jasperware wedgwood stoneware with black lines and scene of Putti A serving tea set with a serving plate, 2 plates, a tea...
Stoneware
Meissen porcelain Rich Court Dragon cups and saucers, Germany 1960s
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Delft, NL
Meissen porcelain Rich Court Dragon cups and saucers, Germany 1960s Meissen porcelain cups and saucers in box with the Rich Court Dragon pattern. The six p...
Porcelain
Porcelain cups and saucers from Royal Albert
By Royal Albert
Located in Delft, NL
Porcelain cups and saucers from Royal Albert A set of eleven porcelain cups and saucers made by Royal Albert, England. Royal Albert was founded by Thomas Clark Wild, ca 1894. two small cups and saucers of the "Serena" model from before 1977 two cups and saucers, large and small, model Chelsea Bird 1950s-70s small cup and saucer model "Sweet Violets" 1960s-70s two cups and saucers small and large from the "Moss Rose" model before the 1960s-70s small cup and saucer, Model Blue Blossom, 1988 large cup and saucer model "Lady...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Tableware Dinner Service, Denmark 1961
By Royal Copenhagen
Located in Delft, NL
Royal Copenhagen porcelain tableware dinner service, Denmark 1961 A Royal Copenhagen porcelain dinner service with pattern number 595, the floral golden basket Flowers in the ce...
Porcelain
Tiffany & co staffordshire Porcelain Tea Cups and Saucers, 12 Pieces
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Plainview, NY
This exquisite Tiffany & Co porcelain tea set features 6 beautifully crafted tea cups and 6 matching saucers. The set, made in Staffordshire, is marked on the bottom and signed by th...
Porcelain
Antique Pair of Adderley Porcelain Cups & Saucers, England 1912-1926
By Adderley Ware, William Adderley
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of antique or vintage coffee, demitasse, or espresso cups and saucers features streamlined, traditional form, hand-decorated with wide bands of cobalt blue and gold abstract flo...
Gold
Wedgwood Porcelain Tableware Dinner Service For 12 People
By Wedgwood
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful Wedgwood porcelain tableware dinner service for twelve people with coffee serving set with hand painted design details. The service is in great condition. Maker's mark undersigned. Include 87 pieces all-together. 12 dinner plate 10 3/4" D. 12 Salad plate...
Gold
1930s Wedgwood Lustreware Tea Cups & Saucers, Set of 6
By Wedgwood
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of six 1930s Wedgwood lusterware tea cups and saucers. Overall silver floral motif on bone China background. Set includes 6 tea cups and 6 saucers, 12 pieces total. Each piece i...
Porcelain
Coffee service in polychrome porcelain
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Coffee service in polychrome porcelain and silver structure. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: Birmingham. Weight: 712.39 grams. Dimensions: Cup 12.2cmx2cm. Content...
Silver
Elegant Hutschenreuther Selb Bavaria Porcelain Tea Cup Set, Mid-20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Elegant Hutschenreuther Selb Bavaria Porcelain Tea Cup Set, Mid-20th Century An elegant porcelain tea set consisting of a teacup, saucer, and dessert plate, produced by the renowned...
Porcelain
