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.
Vintage Cobalt Blue Royal Limoges France 22-Karat Gold Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Elegant vintage round Limoges 22-karat gold trinket jewelry box. French vintage Limoges trinket box in cobalt royal blue with fine gold decor. Marked...
Porcelain
Vintage Cobalt Blue Royal Limoges France 22-Karat Gold Trinket Boxes Set
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Elegant vintage round Limoges 22-karat gold trinket jewelry box and e small plates French vintage Limoges porcelain in cobalt royal blue with fine gold decor. Marked on base as “Limoges France" Porcelain Limoges Castel...
Porcelain
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
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.
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
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 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
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
Vintage Limoges 22k Gold Trinket Piano Box Louis XVI Courtesan Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Elegant vintage Limoges 22-karat gold trinket piano box. French vintage Limoges porcelain in cobalt royal blue with fine gold decor. Marked on base as “L...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
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
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
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
$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
Vintage Limoges 22k Gold Trinket Jewelry Pieces Louis XVI Courtesan Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Elegant vintage Limoges 22-karat gold trinket jewelry decorative pieces. French vintage Limoges porcelain in cobalt royal blue with fine gold decor. Mark...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Vintage Limoges 22k Gold Trinket Jewelry Boxes Louis XVI Courtesan Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Elegant vintage Limoges 22-karat gold trinket jewelry boxes. French vintage Limoges porcelain in cobalt royal blue with fine gold decor. Marked on base as “Limoges France" Porcelain D' Art ”. Beautiful cobalt blue porcelain with 22-karat gold hand painted with with the classic courtesan scene of a man and woman in the Louis XVI period attire. Perfect gift for your special someone. One small box. 6 x6 cm / 2.32 x 2.32 inches One piano box...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
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 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
Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box with Hot Air Balloon
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box with Hot Air Balloon Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Air Balloon Finish Painted Shape Round Diameter 8,5 cm / 3,34 inche...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Vintage Great Britain Silver 3 Pill Box "Victoria" 1838 - 1887
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Great Britain Silver 3 Pill Box "Victoria" 1838 - 1887 Measures 5'5 x 3'5 x 2'5 cm / 2,16 x 1,37 x 0,98 inches Weight 48 gr Pradera is a second generation of a family ru...
Silver
Porcelain Peint Main Vintage Slot Machine Trinket Box by Limoges
By Limoges
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful porcelain peint main (hand painted) vintage slot machine trinket box by Limoges, circa 1980s. This piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measu...
Porcelain
$1,125
H 1.97 in Dm 5.12 in
20th Century French Fine Porcelain Blue Chocolate Box by Limoge Signed Leroux
Located in Sofia, BG
An elegant round chocolate box made in Fine blue porcelain with figures of a Goddess and two angels hiding by the clouds. Floral decoration from the side in blue and white again. Ver...
Porcelain
$125Sale Price|50% Off
H 1.82 in Dm 2 in
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
Malachite Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and substantial green Malachite decorative or jewelry box, circa late-20th century. This green Malachite box has a hexagon shape with a white onyx marble star with gold gilt detail on top lid. A great decorative piece or jewelry box (as demonstrated), to hold necklaces, rings, earring, cufflinks, etc., on a vanity, nightstand, dresser, desk, credenza, walk-in-closet, etc. Very good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Dimensions: 3.38" Depth x 4" Width. Purple charoite box shown also available, search 1stDibs ref. #: LU1314228491742 Green malachite box with cameo, search ref. #: LU1314228492012 (SOLD) Small gold and malachite turtle...
Malachite, Onyx
Limoges Paris Round Rose & Gold Vintage Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A hand painted Limoges porcelain trinket box, France, circa 1970-1980. The round box is braced with a metal frame featuring a floral clasp. Decorated with a pink rose and gilded scr...
Metal
Neoclassical Style Metal Tissue Box Cover
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add style and the finishing touch to your countertop or nightstand with this antiqued gold toned top and grey ribbed metal body tissue box cover to pr...
Metal
French Antique Ormolu and Limoges Enamel Jewellery Box
By Limoges
Located in Newark, England
LIMOGES ENAMEL PANELS From our Decorative collection, we are delighted to offer this French Napoleon III Ormolu and Enamel Jewellery Box. The Jewellery...
Enamel, Ormolu
$375 / item
H 0.5 in W 3 in D 3 in
Porcelain Peint a la Main Vintage Crossword Puzzle Trinket Box by Limoges
By Limoges
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful porcelain peint a la main (hand painted) vintage crossword puzzle trinket box by Limoges, circa 1980s. This unusual piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 3"W...
Porcelain
$1,200Sale Price|33% Off
H 3.5 in W 7 in D 4.5 in
Huge Malachite Box 7" Gemstone Jewelry Box Hinged 4.5 lb
Located in Somis, CA
This magnificent, large 4.15 lb malachite box is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the inherent beauty of fine-grade gemstone malachite. The carefully selected stone displ...
Malachite
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
Marble Jewelry Box Egyptian Revival Style Blue White
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial blue and white carved marble hinged decorative box/jewelry box, circa-mid-20th century or earlier. Exact origin unknown. Carved design on top depicts an ancient relief...
Marble
20th century French Art Deco Mahogany Jewelry Boxe, 1930s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Stunning Chinese mahogany jewelry box, perfect for storing your jewelry, small treasures, or simply as a decorative piece. It brings a unique charm to any room. Material: Mahogany, a...
Brass
French Limoges Trinket Box Red Chile Pepper France
By Limoges
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Charming Limoges Porcelain Trinket Box in the shape of long red chile pepper. The interior of the box is marked Peint Main Limoges France 015/750 This rare piece would certainly be a...
Brass
Limoges France Hand-Painted Porcelain Floral Jewelry Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Miami, FL
Limoges France Hand-Painted Porcelain Floral Jewelry Trinket Box, Antique French Limoges Hand-Painted Porcelain Jewelry or Trinket Box with Floral Design A charming French Limoges p...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2 in W 5.5 in D 3.5 in
Theodore Haviland Limoges Jewelry Box, Limoges Porcelain Trinket Box by Haviland
By Limoges, Theodore Haviland
Located in Miami, FL
Theodore Haviland Limoges Jewelry Box, Limoges Porcelain Trinket Box, Louis XVI style porcelain jewelry box. A lovely Haviland Limoges jewelry box or trinket box perfect for storing...
Porcelain
Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box with Flower Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box, Pill Box with Bird Scene Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Flower Finish Painted Shape Hexagonal Dimensions 5x4,5 cm / 1,...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box with Bird Scene
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box, Pill Box with Bird Scene Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Bird Finish Painted Shape Round Diameter 5 cm / 1,96 inches I ...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Sold
H 1.19 in W 2.76 in D 1.97 in
Vintage Limoges France Peint Main Rabbit Bunny Trinket Box Signed Carrots
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Peint Main Rabbit Bunny Trinket Box Signed Carrots Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Rabbit Finish Painted Size Small Color Multicolor ...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Sold
H 1.19 in W 2.76 in D 1.97 in
Vintage Limoges France Peint Main Rabbit Bunny Trinket Box Signed Carrots
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Peint Main Rabbit Bunny Trinket Box Signed Carrots Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Rabbit Finish Painted Size Small Color Multicolor ...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Sold
H 1.19 in W 2.76 in D 1.97 in
Vintage Limoges France Chamart Peint Main Bunny Rabbit Trinket Box Handpainted
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Chamart Peint Main Bunny Rabbit Trinket Box Handpainted Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Rabbit Finish Painted Size Small Color Multic...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
19th C. French Charming Bronze Jewelry Box with Limoges enamel
By Limoges
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
19th C. French Charming Bronze Jewelry Box with Limoges enamel Made in france This Beautiful bronze jewelry box with delicately carved frames, and in the center with a wonderful por...
Bronze, Enamel
Sold
H 1.58 in W 6.3 in D 5.12 in
French Porcelain Hand Painted Jewelry Box Circa 1970 Parrot Patterns
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
France Porcelain Hand Painted Jewelry Box Circa 1970 Parrot Patterns. Signed Limoges France.
Ceramic
Unique Limoges France Toilet Shaped Hand Painted Porcelain Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Tustin, CA
Collectible handmade and hand painted Limoges France porcelain miniature toilet shaped trinket box features a white background with pretty hand painted floral motifs accenting differ...
Metal
French Limoges Porcelain Jewelry Box with Rich Gold Decor
By Limoges
Located in Vilnius, LT
Cobalt blue porcelain jewelry box richly decorated with gold decor produced by Limoges France. Marked on the bottom.
Porcelain