jasperware

Jasperware is a type of decorative ceramic that was developed by English potter Josiah Wedgwood in the late 18th century. It is a white, unglazed stoneware with a matte or satin finish, typically decorated with low-relief on a contrasting colored ground. The best-known color is Wedgwood blue, but reliefs in black, green, and other hues are also common. The ware is sometimes referred to as parian ware, a term used for marble-like white ceramic wares of the period.

The surface and technique define jasperware. The body is a fine pale stoneware often simply called jasper. Colored slips or clays, known as jaspers, are shaped and applied in high or low relief to the white ground. The decoration is not glazed; the piece is fired so that the colored relief fuses with the body, producing a durable, matte finish. The resulting contrast between the white ground and the colored relief is a hallmark of the style.

Historically, jasperware was marketed as a durable, porcelain-like alternative for decorative objects and tableware. Its classical motifs, medallions, busts, and cameo-style scenes made it popular for vases, plaques, panels, and ornamental pieces. The style aligned with neoclassical tastes of the era and remained influential in English decorative arts.

Today, jasperware remains associated with Wedgwood, though other firms produced similar wares. It continues to be collected for its distinctive appearance and historical significance. Modern reproductions and interpretations exist, often preserving the characteristic matte white ground with colored relief decoration.