Wedgwood – Caneware.

Caneware, a vitreous biscuit or dry body, was first produced in 1790 and was made largely from refined local marls. It was considered an unsatisfactory body by Wedgwood and was not used commercially until about 1776. Caneware was reconstituted again after 1783 and used for tea, coffee and chocolate services, dejeuner sets and cabinet pieces. A practical use of Caneware was found in the production of game-pie dishes, simulating pastry, which remained popular through the 19th century and are rarely found in pristine condition today, as they were ‘useful’ rather than ‘ornamental’ pieces in their day.

Caneware pieces were decorated by engine turning, encaustic (a mixture of clay and enamel) painting, enameling, and with cast or sprigged relief ornament. The earliest pieces are marked “Wedgwood” in upper and lower case.

Caneware was copied by many of Wedgwood’s contemporaries, including Mayer and Turner, both of whom produced excellent pieces, most all of which is marked with the name of the factory.