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.
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
Porcelain Peint Main Scotch Whiskey Trinket Box by Limoges
By Limoges
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful porcelain peint main (hand painted) vintage scotch whiskey trinket box by Limoges, circa 1980s. This unusual piece is in very good vintage con...
Porcelain
$1,600 / set
Set of French Victorian Limoges Porcelain Plates
By Limoges
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 12 French Victorian Limoges porcelain plates with scalloped edge and gilt bird scenes. (PRICED AS SET).
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
$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
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
$1,545Sale 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
Boin-Taburet & Faberge-8pc 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set + 6 Faberge Egg Cups
By Boin-Taburet, Limoges
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris: A magnificent 8pc. Antique French 950 sterling silver tea set by one of France’s premier French silversmiths "Boin-Taburet", plus 6 Fabergé Imperial Egg collectio...
Silver
Camille Tharaud Limoges Art Deco Porcelain Jewelry Box, France 20th century
By Camille Tharaud, Limoges
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
$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
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
Floral Rich Blue Limoges Ceramic Coiffe Saucer, Limoges, France, 1800s
By Limoges
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful Coiffe Limoges floral plate. Doesn't this pretty saucer remind you of Gucci? A rich blue decorates the scalloped edges at the outer rim, and ...
Gold
$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
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
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
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
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
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
Porcelain dinner service. Michelaud Frères. Limoges
By Limoges
Located in MADRID, ES
A 55 piece Limoges porcelain dinner service by Michelaud Frères manufactory decorated with floral bouquets in the center of each piece and small floral sprays around the borders. Lob...
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
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
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
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
$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
$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 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
$6,450
Limoges Enamel Vase
By Limoges
Located in New Orleans, LA
A lovely Limoges enamel vase featuring a handsome gentleman in richly appointed period costume. Excellent condition. Circa 1900.
Ceramic
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 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
Pair French Limoges Porcelain Plaques in Ornate Gilt Metal Frames. Early 20th C.
By Limoges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and elegant pair of hand-painted Limoges porcelain plaques, beautifully mounted in ornate gilt metal openwork frames. Each plaque depicts a finely detailed classical scene...
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
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
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
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
Christofle - Tableware Oceana Blue & Gold Limoges Porcelain 87 Pieces
By Christofle, Limoges
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Tableware Set "Oceana" made in Limoges blue and gold porcelain by Christofle. All pieces are signed. Can be put in dishwasher and microwave. Pe...
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
Limoges Gilt Decorated Porcelain Tableware, 35 Pieces
By Limoges
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Limoges Gilt Decorated Porcelain Tableware Pieces, comprising: (12) twelve salad plates, (12) twelve fruit bowls, (11) eleven saucers, each marked to underside. 35 pieces in t...
Ceramic
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
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
Porcelain Peint Main Vintage Gift Wrapped Trinket Box by Limoges
By Limoges
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful porcelain peint main (hand painted) vintage gift wrapped trinket box with bow by Limoges, circa 1980s. This piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks ...
Porcelain
$3,050Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
Christofle - Tableware Rubanea Blue & Gold Limoges Porcelain 64 Pieces
By Christofle, Limoges
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Tableware Set "Blue Rubanea" made in Limoges blue and gold porcelain by Christofle. All pieces are signed. Can be put in dishwasher and microwave...
Gold
Art Nouveau Tea Set Limoges Porcelain French A. Lanternier Floral Decor 15 Pcs
By Limoges Elite Porcelain 1, Dresden Porcelain, A. Lanternier & Co. Limoges, Limoges
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
French Limoges porcelain tea set. Style and period: Art Nouveau, Antique Design: Alfred Lanternier Limoges Porcelain Origin: France, Late 19th century begin 20th century Fine Limoges...
Porcelain
Haviland Limoges Porcelain Marseille Bowl for T.M. James & Sons Kansas City
By Haviland & Co., Limoges
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
Limoges France Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Dish Catchall
By Limoges, Cristalleries De Sevres
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Limoges porcelain ashtray in a rectangular shape featuring a beautiful gold trellis and roses design with gold trim, made in France. The hand painted decor is stunning and the ...
Porcelain
French Blue & White Willow Porcelain Table Lamp, by Louis Drimmer, Limoges
By Limoges, Louis Drimmer
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
French White Faience Mustard Pot Limoges Circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French White Faience Mustard Pot Limoges Circa 1900.
Ceramic, 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
Porcelain Peint Main Vintage Roulette Wheel Trinket Box by Limoges
By Limoges
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful porcelain peint main (hand painted) vintage cut roulette wheel trinket box by Limoges, circa 1970s. This unusual piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 2.5"D ...
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
$346Sale Price / set|30% Off
Birks Limoges, Gilt Porcelain Cream/Sugar/Tray, France, Mid-20th Century
By Limoges, Henry Birks & Son
Located in Chatham, ON
BIRKS (Retailer) LIMOGES (Manufacturer) - Vintage hand painted gilt porcelain cream & sugar with tray - Louis XIV style pattern with embossed pattern/design - each piece with Birks b...
Porcelain
Haviland Limoges France Decorative Plate La Chasse a La Licorne 1981 Limited Ed.
By Haviland & Co., Limoges
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
Antique 19th Century French Limoges Porcelain Floral Oyster Plate
By Limoges
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique French Limoges porcelain oyster plate, circa 1880. Marked "H & Co" on reverse - made by Haviland & Co in Limoges, France. This fine quality oyster plate has floral...
Porcelain
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
Vintage Limoges R.Leclair Coffee Set, Art Deco, Сream and Gold, France
By Limoges
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
"Coffee Service In Gold Inlay, Limoges Porcelain R.Leclair" Lovely cream and gold Limoges porcelain coffee service. It is a sober and elegant model with a palmette frieze in fine gold and a rare granite inlay frieze on the edge of each piece, with a matt gold finish for the background and shiny gold on the granites. Great Limoges service...
Porcelain
Haviland Limoges "Jewel" Dinner Service, 82 pieces
By Theodore Haviland, Limoges
Located in Astoria, NY
Theodore Haviland Limoges "Jewel" Partial Dinner Service, floral motif, gilt rim, each marked underside, comprising: eleven (11) teacups, six (6) saucers, four (4) bread plates, twel...
Ceramic
$1,080 / set
Limoges Gilt Decorated Porcelain Bowls, 9
By Limoges
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Nine Limoges Gilt Decorated Porcelain Bowls, marked to underside. 1.5" H x 7.5" Diameter. Provenance: From a West End Avenue Collection.
Ceramic
Pair of Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Rooster Plates Signed H. Arndt
By Limoges
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A charming pair of hand-painted Limoges porcelain cabinet plates by Porcelaine LG, France, each signed by the artist H. Arndt. The complementary compositions depict a colorful rooste...
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