A Guide to Collecting Wedgwood Jasperware—and How to Know If Yours Is Authentic

If you're a collector of pottery, you know that no collection is complete without Jasperware—the quintessence of Josiah Wedgwood's career as an English potter. This unglazed stoneware, decorated with cameo-like motifs, can be found in 18th, 19th, and 20th-century versions of the original blues, lilacs, greens, and whites. These urns and vases—in their smooth, matte finish—are still being produced today and make a stately impression in any room. Whether you're looking to add to your collection or you're a first-time purchaser, we're sharing everything you need to know about acquiring, caring for, and authenticating Jasperware.

Who Was Josiah Wedgwood?

Josiah Wedgwood was a famous English potter who is commonly referred to as the "Father of English Pottery." He founded the Wedgwood company in 1759 while working as an independent potter in Burslem, England. Throughout his career, Wedgwood invented many materials that are still produced today, including Jasper, Queen's Ware, and Black Basalt.

Since its inception, Wedgwood's pottery has been present in some of the world's most beautiful homes, including the holiday palace of Empress Catherine The Great, the banquet tables at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, and a 1,282-piece dinner at The White House during President Roosevelt’s presidency, according to Wedgwood's website.

What Is Wedgwood Jasperware?

Jasperware, which is widely recognized as Josiah Wedgwood’s most important creation, first debuted in 1774 after thousands of experiments. The unglazed, dense stoneware is typically recognized by its matte finish and classical motifs, says Nicolas Martin, flea market expert and founder of Flea Market Insiders.

It was made in blue, green, lilac, yellow, black, or white and sometimes featured a combination of three or more of these colors. Jasper's most famous color was light blue, which gave rise to the term "Wedgwood Blue," which is a signature of the brand to this day. "Barring wartime interruptions, it has been made continuously by the firm for more than two hundred years," says Jennaea Denhardt, a former china buyer for department stores like Dayton's, Hudson's, and Marshall Field's.

How to Care for Wedgwood Jasperware

To preserve Jasperware's beauty and integrity you must know how to clean it properly. "Caring for Jasperware is not just about maintenance; it's about respecting the artistry and history that each piece embodies," Martin says. To clean Jasperware, stay away from harsh chemicals and spot treat problem areas with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Keep Jasperware away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, which can damage the stoneware.

Where to Purchase Wedgwood Jasperware

Where you purchase Jasperware depends on whether you're looking for Wedgwood reissues or original pieces. "If the former, then the easiest way is through official Wedgwood retail stores or their website," says Martin. "But it's also worth checking out authorized department stores, luxury goods retailers, and even reputable online marketplaces."

If you are looking for original pieces produced in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, you may have luck finding vintage Wedgwood at antique shops, auctions, online marketplaces, estate sales, pottery fairs, specialized online forums, collectors clubs, and antique shows.

How to Authenticate Wedgwood Jasperware

To authenticate Jasperware, look for the Wedgwood mark on the bottom of the piece, which typically includes the brand name and sometimes the country of manufacture or the date. "While the classic mark includes the word 'Wedgwood' in a distinctive typeface, older pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries might have variations like 'WEDGWOOD,' 'Wedgwood & Bentley,' or simply 'W&B,'" says Martin. "Post-1860 pieces often include the word 'England,' and later 20th-century pieces may include 'Made in England.'"

You can also authenticate Jasperware by the way the piece feels in your hands. The finish should be smooth without any graininess and the bas-relief designs should be well-defined with no blurred edges, says Martin. If you've found Jasperware in its iconic Wedgwood blue, uniformity is a key identifier—there should be no discoloration or uneven shades. Additionally, real Jasperware has a certain weight and tactile quality that's hard to replicate.