Limoges porcelain has withstood the test of time for centuries. The widely cherished ceramics named for the French city and commune in which they are made are synonymous with sophistication, elegance and refinement. Today, antique Limoges dinnerware, serveware, decorative objects and other porcelain products are coveted and collected all over the world.
The story of Limoges porcelain, which refers to porcelain made in the Limoges region of France — not by a specific factory — begins in 1768. The region is a rich source of kaolin, feldspar and quartz — vital ingredients to the production of this type of pottery.
Porcelain was first made in China and spread all over the world owing to the trade routes to the Far East established by Dutch and Portuguese merchants. Given its origin, English speakers called porcelain “fine china,” an expression you still might hear today. "Fine" indeed — for over a thousand years, it has been a highly sought-after material. Meissen Porcelain (Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen), which was founded in the Electorate of Saxony (now Germany), is one of the preeminent porcelain factories in Europe and was the first to produce true porcelain outside of Asia.
Limoges porcelain refers to porcelain produced in and near the city of Limoges — it does not refer to a specific manufacturer — and it’s distinctive for its luminous hue and bright white qualities, providing an ideal canvas for intricately detailed hand-painted decorations. (Revered Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir began his career painting plates in Limoges.)
It wasn’t long before Limoges porcelain captured the attention of King Louis XVI — the region’s first manufactory, established toward the close of the 18th century, was placed under the protection of the King’s brother, the Comte d’Artois. It was later purchased by the King and became Manufacture Royale de Limoges. The facility produced a variety of pieces, including delicate, gold-embellished trinket boxes, ornamental vessels, Rococo-style figurines and elaborate dinnerware service sets.
Following the end of the French Revolution in 1794, Limoges porcelain was no longer restricted, and the commercial porcelain industry ballooned.
By 1819, Limoges had four porcelain factories, and as demand for porcelain grew during the 19th century, the industry expanded in the French city. In 1853, American businessman David Haviland opened the Haviland & Co. factory in Limoges to export porcelain to the United States. The company produced several iconic serveware collections for many American presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes. Bernardaud opened in the early 1860s.
By 1900, Limoges had 35 factories, which employed close to 8,000 workers. In 1925, Limoges porcelain was shown at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts — the design fair in Paris that brought global attention to the Art Deco style — where it garnered international acclaim.
During the 20th century, Limoges factories such as Bernardaud collaborated with a range of notable artists and designers, including Franz Bischoff, Joan Miró, Raymond Loewy, Alexander Calder and Julian Schnabel, to name a few.
Today, authentic Limoges porcelain tableware, vases and objets d’art continue to gain renown with collectors and design lovers all over the world.
Find an extensive collection of antique Limoges porcelain on 1stDibs.
1970‘s Limoges Porcelain Ashtray Indian Elephant
By Limoges
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern porcelain square orange and gold ashtray with depicting an Indian elephant in the middle. Signed „peint a la main“, Handpainted ! Use it as an ashtray, vide poche or for deco...
Porcelain
Marie Antionette Style Limoge Box
By Limoges
Located in Asheville, NC
Beautiful porcelain Limoges box hand-painted rose flowerettes adorned with painted gold designs and gold hardware.
1890 Limoges Porcelain Wild Birds Set for 12 People
By E. Bourgeois, Limoges
Located in Paris, FR
Very unusual with a deep blue sky in the background and wonderful colors, this antique Limoges set for 12 people is made with the finest quality Li...
Gold
Limoges France Hand Painted Porcelain Victorian Style Boot Shoe Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Tustin, CA
Very pretty Limoges porcelain old fashion Victorian style lace up boot shoe shaped trinket box is handmade in France and features a white background with skillfully hand painted clusters of deep pink roses, vining green...
Porcelain
Limoges - Portrait Of The Marquise d'Antin On Porcelain
By Limoges
Located in Beaune, FR
Portrait of Françoise-Renée de Carbonnel de Canisy, Marquise d'Antin, painted on Limoges porcelain and presented in a charming small Louis XVI style bronze frame. Excellent condition...
Bronze
Vintage Limoges France Butterfly Trinket Box Handpainted
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Butterfly Trinket Box Handpainted Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Butterfly Finish Painted Color Multicolor Shape Hear Shape Item Len...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Exquisite Rare French Large Grapes Flowers Colorful Handpainted Limoges Boxes
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item that we are offering is A Rare and Impressive Magnificent and Exquisite Rare Large Handpainted Limoges Stamped Porcelain and Bronze Jewelry Holder / Pill Boxes. Ou...
Porcelain
Antique La Seynie P & P Limoges 5 Piece Vanity Tray Set
By Limoges
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Antique La Seynie P & P Limoges 5 Piece Vanity Tray Set. The large tray is signed G. Dodge on the upper right side. The smaller tray bears the man...
Porcelain
HOLIDAY GIFT - Vintage Limoges 22k Gold Porcelain Trinket Box, Courtesan Scene
By Limoges
Located in Bochum, NRW
A captivating vintage Limoges trinket box, crafted in fine cobalt blue porcelain and adorned with hand-applied 22-karat gold detailing. The lid features a richly illustrated courtesa...
Porcelain
$2,730Sale Price|30% Off
La Seynie, Hand Painted & Gilded Limoges Cabinet Tray, France, circa 1910
By Limoges
Located in Chatham, ON
LA SEYNIE - Fine antique Limoges ceramic cabinet tray - hand painted in the Art Nouveau style - featuring a display of raspberries with flowers and lea...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
$316Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Limoges France Porcelain Plate Hand-painted with Bird Decor Collectible
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique French Limoges Porcelain Quatrefoil Plate with Birds, Florals & Gilt, Hand-Painted Collector’s Piece A beautiful vintage French Limoges porcelain quatrefoil plate, finely...
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century French Limoges Painted Porcelain Cows Wall Platters
By Limoges
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall or a shelf with this large and colorful pair of antique platters. Crafted in Limoges France by Haviland circa 1880 and signed, each hand painted porcelain plate is ov...
Gold Leaf
Camille Tharaud Limoges Art Deco Porcelain Jewelry Box, France 20th century
By Limoges, Camille Tharaud
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This refined porcelain lidded box by Camille Tharaud represents the elegance and technical mastery of early 20th-century Limoges decorative arts. Produced in France during the Art De...
Porcelain
$5,500 / set
Set of Eight Limoges Oyster Plates, circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
Two painted in iron red and six painted in grisaille.
Porcelain
19th Century French Limoges Enamel Plaque in Gilt Bronze Frame
By Limoges
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Limoges enamel plaque depicts a knight in full armour. He is portrayed turning towards the viewer, as though he is about to unsheathe his sword. The knight stands...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
$270Sale Price|55% Off
Exquisite Rare French Large Young Lovers Turquoise Blue Gold Limoges Boxes
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item that we are offering is A Rare and Impressive Magnificent and Exquisite Rare Large Handpainted Limoges Stamped Porcelain and Bronze Jewelry Holder / Pill Box. Outs...
Porcelain
Pair of Perfumers in Silver and Limoges Porcelain France Early 1900s
By Limoges
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of perfumers made of embossed and pierced silver and painted porcelain. Polychrome decoration with reserves, flowering vines and small gold details. Pinecone grip. Sèvres manufactory marks painted under the base of the vases. Marks of silver and silversmith Georges Falkenberg...
Porcelain
Vintage Limoges France Mini Picture in Wood and Porcelain with Romantic Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Mini Picture in Wood and Porcelain with Romantic Scene Type Mini Picture Brand Limoges Material Porcelain an Wood Subject Romantic Finish Painted Shape Round ...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Beautiful Pair of Late 19th Century French Limoges Porcelain Busts on Sevres
By Limoges
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful pair of late 19th century French Limoges porcelain busts on Sevres style bases.
Porcelain
Vintage porcelain ginger jar by Limoges, France, 1970s
By Limoges
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Vintage porcelain ginger jar with flower decorations made in Limoges, France in the 1970s. Hand-painted and gold borders. Original and fully branded Limoges label on the base. Porce...
Porcelain
Antique 1890s Pair of Amorous Victoria Austria Vase "Marked"
By Limoges
Located in Norton, MA
Comprising a pair of matching vases with amorous scenes and gilt handles. Two large paintings on each vase and a total of 4 paintings. Measure: Height 1...
Porcelain
French Art Deco Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Vase, J. Lusca, Dijon
By Limoges
Located in Miami, FL
A French Art Deco baluster-form porcelain vase with a flared trumpet neck, retailed by J. Lusca of Dijon (28 Rue Bossuet) and produced by a Limoges porcelain house. The vase is hand-...
Porcelain
Vintage Limoges Jmmet Seignolles plates & box Souvenir de son Vogage a Lourdes
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Set of Elegant vintage Limoges box and two plates. Marked on base as “Jammet Seignolles Souvenir de mon voyage á Lourdes”. -Memories of my trip ...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Camille Tharaud for Limoges Little Girl Biscuit Bust
By Limoges
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous porcelain busts of Louise Brongniart in bisque porcelain on royal blue enameled base, by Tharaud, Limoges, after the originals by Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828). Louise was...
Gold
Rare French Porcelain Egg Cup with a Shrimp Aside by Dadat Limoge
By Limoges
Located in Sofia, BG
Porcelain egg cup with a shrimp aside by Dadat Limoge. France, circa 1880.
Porcelain
Antique LS & S Limoges Gold Snowflake Luncheon Plates - Set of 6 Late 1800s
By Limoges
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Antique Limoges Porcelain Plates with Ornate Gold Gilding and Intricate Snowflake Medallion Design This breathtaking set of antique p...
Gold
French Limoges Enamel Box
By Limoges
Located in New Orleans, LA
This delightful porcelain and enamel box perfectly exemplifies the esteemed French Limoges tradition. It features a meticulously hand-applied pink and blue floral scene against a bro...
Enamel
Vintage Limoges 22k Gold Trinket Jewelry Small Tray Louis XVI Courtesan Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Elegant vintage Limoges 22-karat gold trinket small tray French vintage Limoges porcelain in cobalt royal blue with fine gold decor. Marked on base as “Limoges France" Porcelain D'...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Late 19th Century Limoges Enamel Keepsake Box
By Limoges
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Small, rectangular, enamel keepsake box from Limoges. The lid is decorated with a central medallion featuring the profile of an upper-class woman, who was certainly the owner of this...
Enamel
Set of 6 Antique Delinières Limoges Porcelain Mugs Cups, France 1894-1900
By Delinieres & Co. 1, Limoges
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique set of 6 porcelain cups or mugs was made by R. Delinières & Cie in Limoges, France, in late 19th century; it features a pronounced gold decor on the crisp white porcelai...
Gold
$464Sale Price|20% Off
Limoges Midcentury Hand-Painted by Cevoli White Porcelain French Ashtray, 1980s
By Limoges
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury Limoges hand-painted white porcelain ashtray. This fantastic piece was hand-painted by Giulia Lucente Cevoli in Italy during the...
Ceramic, Porcelain
French Porcelain Jewelry Dish
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French white porcelain jewelry dish in a pastel light purple lavender hue and gold details, Limoges, France, circa late-20th century. Piece is from 5-star luxury hotel 'H...
Porcelain
Limoges Footed Gold Trim Trinket or Jewelry Box
By Limoges
Located in Miami, FL
Neoclassical Limoges porcelain handcrafted and hand painted gold trimmed footed trinket/jewelry box or candy dish. Bears the Limoges makers mark. Glazed. Measures: 4 1/2" diameter...
Porcelain
Antique 1890s Victoria Austria Vase "Marked", #Ric00012
By Limoges
Located in Norton, MA
Antique 1890s Victoria Austria Vase. Comprising Austrian porcelain vases with hand-painted decorated scenes of cattle watering. Measure: Height 14 inc...
Porcelain
Limoges France porcelain table lamp with blue dragon, 20th century
By Limoges
Located in Delft, NL
Limoges France porcelain table lamp with blue dragon, 20th century A white porcelain table lamp with a scene of Chinoiserie in blue, made by Porcelaine de Limoges, France. The lamp ...
Porcelain
Antique Limoges Porcelain Pedestal Compote with Hand-Painted Floral Motifs
By Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite Limoges porcelain pedestal compote is a distinguished example of French decorative artistry, celebrated for its refinement and timeless charm. Raised on a flared circu...
Porcelain, Paint
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Enamelled Porcelain Vase by Limoges, Art Deco Design, France, 1940
By Limoges
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Enamelled porcelain vase in brown tones and black, design by Lemovices, made by Limoges. Signed Lemovices France, circa 1940.
Porcelain
Haviland Limoges France Decorative Plate La Chasse a La Licorne 1981 Limited Ed.
By Limoges, Haviland & Co.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Robert Haviland & C. Parlon Limoges France Decorative Plate 1981 Limited Ed # 5. Limited Edition collectible plate "The Lady and the Unicorn" by Robert Haviland & Co and Limoges France. Haviland Limoges France Limited Edition Porcelain Collector Plate "La Dame a La Licorne". La Chasse a La Licorne Limoges Haviland C. Parlon Collectible Plate. French Limoges limited edition and 22-karat gold collectors plate by Haviland & Parlon. This coveted and rare collector plate display a scene from the famous late fifteenth century Renaissance Paris tapestries of unicorn hunting scene ," La Chasse A La Licorne". The plate is hand painted with an incredible amount of detail, bright and bold colors with a 22-karat gold rim. Made of porcelain with a glossy finish, this round plate features a stunning multicolor fairy tale design with a unicorn theme. The plate is handmade and painted, and is part of the Limoge product line. This vintage Haviland Limoges La Chasse a la Licorne Unicorn Plate...
Porcelain
French Limoges Porcelain Two-Piece Burgundy Gilt Painted Vase Cachepot On Stand
By Limoges, (After) Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning two-piece French Limoges porcelain vase / jardiniere planter / cachepot / table centerpiece / wine bottle cooler on stand, featuring exceptional "L'Escarpolette medallion ...
Porcelain
19th Century French Limoges Enamel Dresser Box with Rococo Pastoral Scenes
By Limoges
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th C. French Limoges Enamel Dresser Box with Rococo Pastoral Scenes An elegant late 19th-century French enamel dresser or trinket box, richly decorated with hand-painted Rococo-i...
Copper, Enamel, Ormolu
Limoges Porcelain Oval Small Trinket box
By Limoges
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Limoges Porcelain Oval Small Trinket Box. Its background is hand painted white. The top of the hinged lid is adorned with blue swags and branches of roses. In the center di...
Porcelain
Antique KPM style French Religious Enamel Copper Virgin Mary FJ Carmona Limoges
By Limoges
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning Hand Painted French Miniature Enamel on Copper depicting a portrait religous view of the Virgin Mary, complete with its original polished wooden frame. Circa 1940. Signed lo...
Bronze, Copper, Enamel
Haviland Limoges France Decorative Plate La Chasse a La Licorne 1977 Limited Ed.
By Limoges, Haviland & Co.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Robert Haviland & C. Parlon Limoges France Decorative Plate 1977 Limited Ed # 1. Limited Edition collectible plate "The Lady and the Unicorn" by Robert Haviland & Co and Limoges France. Haviland Limoges France Limited Edition Porcelain Collector Plate "La Dame a La Licorne". La Chasse a La Licorne Limoges Haviland C. Parlon Collectible Plate. 1970s French Limoges limited edition and 22-karat gold collectors plate by Haviland & Parlon. This coveted and rare collector plate display a scene from the famous late fifteenth century Renaissance Paris tapestries of unicorn hunting scene ," La Chasse A La Licorne". The plate is hand painted with an incredible amount of detail, bright and bold colors with a 22-karat gold rim. Made of porcelain with a glossy finish, this round plate features a stunning multicolor fairy tale design with a unicorn theme. The plate is handmade and painted, and is part of the Limoge product line. This vintage Haviland Limoges La Chasse a la Licorne Unicorn Plate...
Porcelain
$1,543Sale Price / set|30% Off
20th Century French Art Deco Limoges Porcelain Service Tableware 49 Pieces
By Limoges
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful Art deco Limoges porcelain dinner service with a yellow border and flower decoration in the middle. 49 pieces : - 31 din...
Porcelain
Vintage Limoges France Mini Plate with Bird Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Mini Plate with Bird Scene Type Mini Plate Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Bird Finish Painted Shape Round Diameter 10,5 cm/ 4,13 inches I Limoges P...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
French Blue & White Willow Porcelain Table Lamp, by Louis Drimmer, Limoges
By Louis Drimmer, Limoges
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This elegant Porcelaine de Limoges table lamp, designed by Louis Drimmer, features a finely crafted blue-and-white porcelain body decorated with the celebrated Willow pattern, one of...
Brass
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Avian Design Porcelain Ashtray De Limoges
By Tiffany & Co., Limoges, Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully handsome hand-painted Limoges porcelain ashtray with a unique avian design. The piece depict Toucans in a vibrant blue and yellow color with colorfull accents. This piece is by Deshoulières...
Porcelain
$440Sale Price|20% Off
French Limoges Enamel on Copper Portrait Painting of a Woman, 20th C
By Limoges
Located in Big Flats, NY
A French Limoges painting offers enamel on copper portrait of a woman in outdoor setting, seated in giltwood frame, 20th century. Measures- 10.5'' H x 9.5'' W x 1.75'' D; sight 5'' H...
Copper
Vintage Limoges Porcelain Lidded Box Black White Parisian Silhouette 1980s
By Limoges, Deshoulières Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Limoges France "Décor Florence" Porcelain Lidded Box, Black & White Parisian Silhouette, Circa 1980 An elegant vintage Limoges porcelain lidded box featuring a sophistic...
Porcelain
Pair Orientalist Bronze Palmette Candle Sconces Limoges Enamel Bather Plaques
By Limoges
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Belle Époque Orientalist Bronze Palmette Candle Sconces with Limoges Enamel Plaques France, Circa 1890–1910 An exceptional pair of Belle Époque wall sconces combining finely...
Bronze, Copper
Limoges Porcelain Coffee Set French Production 1960 ca Mid-Century Modern
By Limoges
Located in Palermo, IT
Vintage Limoges porcelain coffee set. The set consists of two cups with saucers, a sugar bowl with lid, and a matching oval tray. It features polychrome floral decorations and gold d...
Porcelain
Set of Six French Porcelain Boxing Theme Plates
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
Set of Six French Porcelain Boxing Theme Plates. Set of six “La Boxe” boxing plates by CR Genty, signed lower right, with porcelain markings by F. M. Limoges. France, 1940’s Dimens...
Porcelain
$800Sale Price|20% Off
huge vase, crater vase, hand painted, signed, 1950s, Limoges, France
By Limoges
Located in Wien, AT
Wonderful huge vase from the famous manufacturer Limoges from France, made in the 1950s. The shape of the vase is called a crater vase, an antique shape with two handles in the sha...
Porcelain
Haviland Limoges France Decorative Plate La Chasse a La Licorne 1979 Limited Ed.
By Limoges, Haviland & Co.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Robert Haviland & C. Parlon Limoges France Decorative Plate 1979 Limited Ed # 3. Limited Edition collectible plate "The Lady and the Unicorn" by Robert Haviland & Co and Limoges France. Haviland Limoges France Limited Edition Porcelain Collector Plate "La Dame a La Licorne". La Chasse a La Licorne Limoges Haviland C. Parlon Collectible Plate. 1970s French Limoges limited edition and 22-karat gold collectors plate by Haviland & Parlon. This coveted and rare collector plate display a scene from the famous late fifteenth century Renaissance Paris tapestries of unicorn hunting scene ," La Chasse A La Licorne". The plate is hand painted with an incredible amount of detail, bright and bold colors with a 22-karat gold rim. Made of porcelain with a glossy finish, this round plate features a stunning multicolor fairy tale design with a unicorn theme. The plate is handmade and painted, and is part of the Limoge product line. This vintage Haviland Limoges La Chasse a la Licorne Unicorn Plate...
Porcelain
$8,850
Limoges Enamel Vases
By Limoges
Located in New Orleans, LA
A gorgeous pair of Limoges enamel vases featuring romantic scenes of 18th century lovers in vividly colored dress. It is especially rare to find pairs o...
Enamel
Antique Porcelain Hand Painted Powder Box by Limoges
By Limoges
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful antique porcelain hand painted powder box by Limoges, circa 1898. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks...
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Gold Plate and Porcelain Platter, Antique Serveware
By Limoges
Located in London, England
18 flat plates of 18 cm in diameter, ideal for presenting your favorite dishes during your meals with family or friends, bringing a touch of elegance to your table. 9 deep plates of...
Gold Plate
Large vintage porcelain platter, fashionable motifs, signed Sonia Rykiel, France
By Limoges
Located in Valladolid, ES
An extraordinary porcelain plate, full of character, made by renowned porcelain brands such as Haviland and Yves Deshoulières, with a design by the acclaimed fashion designer Sonia R...
Porcelain
French Limoges Square Porcelain Gilt Trinket Jewelry Dish Tray
By Limoges
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small charming Limoges French trinket tray. As found in France, this piece features a hand painted dish in greens and purples with gilt detailing. This ...
Porcelain, Paint
Pink and Gold Chinoiserie Vide Poche
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
Pink and gold Chinoiserie vide-poche. French porcelain raspberry pink and gold painted ashtray with central gold pagoda pavilion with raised out curving pink...
Porcelain