Jasperware is an unglazed, matte-finish stoneware developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1770s, with the first successful examples appearing in 1774-1775. It was named after the mineral jasper due to its hardness and resembles natural stone. The ware is characterized by a vitreous stoneware body, often in a pale blue known as "Wedgwood Blue," that is colored throughout and decorated with raised, classical designs in a contrasting white or other colors.