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.
Porcelain Ashtray Limoges Hand-Painted Dish France 1960s
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Limoges Porcelain Ashtray Hand-Painted Dish France 1960s. Vintage Ashtray dish with hand-painted design and writing French text:" Selon L'oiseau le nide, selon La femme le logis". Which translate in english" according to the bird the nest, according to the woman the home". 1960s Limoges France ashtray...
Porcelain
$275Sale Price|44% Off
Exquisite Rare French Turquoise Blue and White Gold Limoges Box Egg
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 Egg Stamped Porcelain and Bronze ...
Porcelain
Limoges - Porcelain Tea/coffee Service
By Limoges
Located in Beaune, FR
Limoges porcelain tea or coffee service in the Sèvres style. This service consists of two cups and saucers, a sugar bowl, a milk jug, a teapot, and a tray. The set is decorated with ...
Porcelain
Whimsical Set of Three Exquisite Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Trinket Boxes
By Limoges
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical Set of Three Exquisite Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Trinket Boxes, circa 1960s. This curated set of three authentic Limoges porcelain trinket boxes represent the pinnacle...
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
Antique 1890s Pair of Victoria Austria Vase "Marked"
By Limoges
Located in Norton, MA
Antique 1890s pair of Victoria Austria vase. Comprising Austrian porcelain vases with hand-painted decorated scenes of cattle watering. Measure: Heigh...
Porcelain
19th-Century Set of 8 French Limoges Dessert Plates, Rabbits, Birds, Puppies
By Limoges
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This such a sweet set of 19th century Limoges dessert plates. They have pastoral themes ranging from rabbits to turtles. Two are replicated. Wou...
Porcelain
Limoges Porcelain Ashtray Mont Saint Michel Hand-Painted Dish France 1960s
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Limoges porcelain Vintage Ashtray Dish with The "Mont Saint Michel" Hand-Painted Limoges France Dish by G Rogier. 1960s Limoges France Eiffe...
Porcelain
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
Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box with Country Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box, Pill Box with Conntry Scene Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Finish Painted Shape Square Measures 4x4 cm/ 1,57x1,57 inches I Li...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Vintage French Limoges Porcelain New Orleans Steamboat Form Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Limoges New Orleans Steamboat form Trinket Box, porcelain, French. Hand painted. Stern paddlewheel. Marked: "Peint main Limoges France" & "New Orleans" on the side. Porcelai...
Brass
Vintage French Limoges Porcelain Gondolier Gondola Form Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Limoges Gondolier Gondola form Trinket Box, porcelain, French. Hand painted. Marked: "Limoges France Peint main MH." Porcelain & brass with bow clasp. The Venetian gondolier ...
Brass
Vintage French Limoges Porcelain Chianti Bottle Form Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Limoges Chianti Bottle form Trinket Box, porcelain, French. Hand painted. Marked: "Peint main Limoges. France C.M." Porcelain & brass with cask tap clasp. The bottle with fau...
Brass
Vintage French Limoges Bowler Hat Form Porcelain Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Limoges Bowler Hat form Trinket Box, porcelain, French. Hand painted. Marked: "Peint main Limoges France HC". Porcelain & brass with bow clasp. An umbrella painted on the int...
Brass
Whismical pair of vases limoges porcelain
By Limoges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A whismical pair of vases 19 th century by limoges , sign on the base of the vases, the design of the vases is very unsual
Porcelain
Haviland Limoges Floral Porcelain Dinner Plates Set of 4
By Theodore Haviland, Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Haviland Limoges Floral Dinner Plates with roses design set of 4. CH Field - Haviland Limoges China with Pink Flowers and Greenery. Antique Pi...
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Limoges Enamel Keepsake Box
By Limoges
Located in Paris, FR
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 Porcelain Service by Giovanna Amoruso Manzari and Limoges for Nina Ricci
By Limoges
Located in Sofia, BG
Giovanna Amoruso Manzari and GDA Limoges for Nina Ricci. Set of porcelain dinner and tea service with nice vivid polychrome decoration of flowers in bright colours. Six large plates ...
Porcelain
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
$350Sale Price|30% Off
Important Early 20th C Floral Large Tiffany & Co Limoges Porcelain Jewelry Box
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 Tiffany & Co Limoges Stamped Porcelain Jewelry Box. Outstandingly do...
Porcelain
Limoges Porcelain Tray by Philippe Deshoulieres ‘Sophie d’E’
By Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite Philippe Deshoulieres Sophie d’E Limoges porcelain tray is a beautifully detailed decorative piece, celebrating the refinement and artistry long associated with French...
Porcelain, Paint
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 piece would certainly be a fan...
Porcelain, Paint
$390Sale Price / set|50% Off
Mid-20th Century Gold Plate and Porcelain Platter, Antique Serveware
By Limoges
Located in London, England
18 assiettes plates de 18 cm de diamètre, idéales pour présenter vos plats favoris lors de vos repas en famille ou entre amis, apportant une touche d'élégance à votre table. 9 assie...
Gold Plate
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
Alexandre Marty, Limoges, Large Art Deco Vase in Copper and Enamelled, 20th
By Limoges
Located in Beaune, FR
Rare, large and wonderful spherical vase with small ring neck very slightly flared and resting on a circular base. It is copper and enamelled with floral decorations in shades of gre...
Copper, Enamel
Vintage Regency Limoges Porcelain Dinner Plates - Set of 4
By Limoges
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stunning set of four vintage Limoges porcelain dinner plates showcases intricate hand-painted designs featuring gourmet food themes, from fresh fruits and fine wines to decadent...
Porcelain
Vintage Limoges 22k Gold Trinket Ashtray Louis XVI Courtesan Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Elegant vintage Limoges 22-karat gold trinket ashtray French vintage Limoges porcelain in cobalt royal blue with fine gold decor. Marked on base as “Limog...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Antique Porcelain Cherub Box with Relief Lid, c. Late 19th Century
By Limoges
Located in Bochum, NRW
Antique Porcelain Cherub Box with Relief Lid, c. Late 19th Century Dimensions: 20 × 5.5 × 3 cm A finely molded porcelain trinket or presentation box, featur...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Ceramic Port by M.N.D Limoges, 1960s
By Limoges
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-Century Ceramic Lidded Box by Romacrea 1960s - Era Fratelli Fanciullacci Decorative polychrome porcelain dish, painted decoration depicting a stag, signed M.N.D. Limoges on the ...
Ceramic
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
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
Pair of Large Limoges White Porcelain Neoclassical Urn Swan Table Lamps
By Limoges
Located in Chicago, IL
Early 20th century white porcelain Limoges lamp (bases). Swan form handles on a neoclassical urn shaped vase. Limoge mark on underside of each. Uncertain...
Porcelain
Limoges France Enameled Porcelain Gendarme Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Limoges France, a hand enameled trinket box, depicting the head of a French Gendarme or police officer, circa 1970-1980s. Gendarmes boxes are highly sought after by collectors....
Copper
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
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 manufa...
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
Early 20th Century Limoges Porcelain Tea Service.
By Limoges
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Early 20th century Limoges porcelain tea service. Early 20th century Limoges porcelain tea service. Tray: H: 43cm, W: 40cm, D: 2cm Coffee pot: H: 25cm, W: 22cm, D: 13cm Milk jug: H:...
Porcelain
Chef D'Oeuvre by Bernardaud Limoges France Porcelain Set of 5
By Bernardaud, Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Bernardaud Limoges France "Chef D'Oeuvre" set of 5 dinner porcelain set.Five-piece place setting includes 1 dinner plate, 1 salad plate, 1 bread butter plate, 1 teacup, and 1 saucer.Dinner Plate 10 1/4"Salad Plate 8 1/2"Bread & Butter Plate 6 1/2"Cup 2 1/4" x 3 1/8"Saucer 5 5/8". Bernardaud is renowned for its high-quality French dinnerware...
Porcelain
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
$360Sale Price|60% Off
Important Early 1900s Floral Gold Leaf Large Limoges Porcelain Platter Tray
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 Platter Tray . Outstandingly done with Mag...
Porcelain
$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
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
Vintage Regency Hand Painted Limoges Pill Box
By Limoges
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exude opulence and old-world charm with this exquisite vintage Limoges porcelain pill box, hand-painted in the form of a dashing Regency-era military officer. This collectible piece ...
Brass
Haviland Limoges Porcelain Marseille Bowl for T.M. James & Sons Kansas City
By Limoges, Haviland & Co.
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Haviland Limoges oval bowl features Marseille (or Schleiger 9) shape; it is decorated with elaborate floral motifs in blue, pink, light green, and mocha brown colors on both inner and outer surfaces. The bowl has complicated asymmetrical shape with elaborate textured details on both rim and the handle. Marseille shape was introduced in late 1880s and quickly become one of the most popular lines of Haviland china in 1890s. In factory catalogues this piece is often listed as a vegetable server; in contemporary tablescape it can be used as a salad, fruit, or chips bowl or a side dish serving bowl. The bowl is marked with underglaze green factory mark "H&C* L France", dating to 1888-1886, and red overglaze decorator mark "Haviland & C* Pour T.M. James & Sons Kansas City Mo."; the decorator mark indicates that the bowl was specifically created for this Kansas City importer of fine French dinnerware...
Gold
Mid-19th Century Limoges Enamel Flask
By Limoges
Located in Paris, FR
Small flask in Limoges enamel and silver mounts with its original stopper. All of its surfaces are decorated with figures set in a gallant landscape. On the body, a couple of young l...
Silver, Enamel
$295Sale Price|26% Off
Antique Limoges Porcelain Jewelry Box or Lidded Candy Dish
By Limoges
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Limoges porcelain hand crafted and hand painted gold trimmed trinket, jewelry box or lidded candy dish, circa 1930. Marked, see photos. ...
Porcelain
Tressemanes & Vogt Limoges Porcelain Footed Serving Dish & Lid, France 1891-1907
By T&V Limoges, Tressemanes & Vogt, Limoges
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique porcelain serving dish or tureen with lid features elongated oval form with rounded handles and Victorian style decor with motofs of English roses and wildflowers connected b...
Gold
8 Limoges Porcelain Bouillons by A. Vignaud with Gold and Celadon Trim
By Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant set of French porcelain bouillon cups with matching saucers was crafted by A. Vignaud, Limoges, renowned for their fine quality porcelain during the late 19th and early ...
Porcelain
Limoges Antique Tressamane and Voght Bowls, Cups, Saucers, Salad Plates
By Limoges
Located in Lomita, CA
Beautiful antique pieces of Limoges china, elegant and near mint condition, can complete an existing set or complement an unrelated set of white china. Pattern is TRV087. This small collection of 17 pieces is exquisite. There are three cups with gold gilt handles (3.75" x 2.25") (saucer: 6"). Please note: One cup has a hairline crack. Delicately decorated white ware from a time when tasteful simplicity was the hallmark of a well dressed table...
Ceramic
French Porcelain Fennec Fox Box, Theodore Haviland Limoges, circa 1960
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
French porcelain fennec fox box, Theodore Haviland Limoges, circa 1960. Signed by the artist Gerard Sandoz.
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
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
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
Sewing Theme Limoges France Floral Motif Porcelain Double Thimbles or Needle Box
By Limoges
Located in Tustin, CA
Very pretty, Limoges porcelain double thimble shaped trinket box is handmade with a white background and features pretty multi-colored flowers surrounding each side of the double thi...
Porcelain
French Porcelain Flowers Oyster Plate Limoges, circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French Porcelain Flowers Oyster Plate Limoges, circa 1900. 8.5 inches diameter.
Porcelain
$125Sale Price|50% Off
Exquisite Rare French Limoges Colorful Christmas Drum Jewelry Holder Box
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item that we are offering is A Rare Estate Beautiful Large Handpainted Limoges Christmas Drum Stamped Porcelain and Bronze Jewelry Holder / Pill Box. Outstandingly done...
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
Limoges - Pair Of Porcelain Plates
By Limoges
Located in Beaune, FR
Lovely pair of porcelain plates with a winter decoration and two young girls in the center. Gilding around the edges. They are in very good condition. Dimensions Diameter 31cm ...
Porcelain
Set of 10 Vintage Limoges Porcelain Coffee Cups – Signed Limoges France – White
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Set of 10 Vintage Limoges Porcelain Coffee Cups – Signed Limoges France – White Glazed Elegant Design Description: This is a refined set of 10 vintage porcelain coffee cups, signed ...
Porcelain
Porcelain Center Table or Trivet, in Limoges Cèramic, Made in France, circa 1960
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This center Table or Trivet, is in Porcelain. It has been done by Limoges, wellknown manufacture in France, circa 1960. The pattern are decorative flowers white, pink and white colors.
Porcelain