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.
Limoges Marihuana Gold Rimmed Apothecary Jar
By Limoges
Located in Stamford, CT
Limoges Marihuana porcelain gold rim apothecary jar. Signed on the underside.
Porcelain
French Limoges Porcelain Cobalt Blue Pate-Sur-Pate Vase
By Limoges, Marcel Chaufriasse
Located in Vilnius, LT
A cobalt blue background Limoges vase and pate-sur-pate technique with scene of female figures. Signed Marcel Chaufriasse Limoges. Very good vintage condition.
Porcelain
Rare Haviland Limoges Vase. Limited Edition N°2212
By Theodore Haviland, Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant baluster vase, crafted by the renowned Haviland porcelain manufacture in Limoges, is a striking example of French decorative art. Made from fine porcelain, the vase feat...
Porcelain, Paint
Art Nouveau Nude Decorated Lidded Porcelain Jar, Limoges, French, Circa 1905
By Limoges
Located in Incline Village, NV
Uniquely decorated porcelain Limoges jar with a wide winged span nude woman and a duck flying out of her hair, perhaps beckoning her to join in the flight. Her legs and feet end as one "a la mermaid". She is quite beautiful and is holding a bouquet of flowers in front of her. The same image appears on the other side. She is hand painted with brown hair, skin tones, with white and black detail to the "butterfly like" double wings. The duck is painted brown and black. Two gold leaf bands circumvents the vessel at the bottom and two thirds up. A blue band above the gold band at the base completes the hand painted decoration of the exterior. The interior of the jar is painted a light colored lime green. The underneath is clearly marked "P L Limoges...
Porcelain
French Flapper Ceramic Perfume Bottle by Charles Serpaut Limoges
By Limoges
Located in Van Nuys, CA
1920s porcelain Art-Deco powder box featuring a flapper in a large dress by Charles Serpaut. Has a minor repair line on the neck. Limoges stamp. 6.25 in height, 6.5 in width, 3.5 in...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Flower Vase Limoges Porcelain and Silver by Joe Descomps
By Joe Descomps Cormier, Limoges
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Flower vase On one side it has a nude - Erotic lady drinking wine, and on the other a devil. Very nice quality enamel porcelain flower vase. It has silver rings on the neck and on th...
Porcelain
Antique Large Limoges France Hand Painted Vase "Marked", #Ric00010
By Limoges
Located in Norton, MA
Antique 1910 large Limoges France hand painted Vase "Marked", Ric00010 Comprising an ornate Rococo style vase on four gilt scroll feet with molded b...
Porcelain
Large Limoges Porcelain Vase, "Comte d'Artois Bleu" Pattern, 18th Century Design
By Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite French porcelain vase is crafted by the renowned Bernardaud manufacture in Limoges, and bears the refined “Artois bleu” pattern—an elegant design inspired by the Comte...
Porcelain, Paint
$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
Art Deco Period Limoges Porcelain Cachepot with Iridescent Glaze and Gilt
By Limoges, William Guerin
Located in Doylestown, PA
Striking porcelain large cachepot or jardiniere of the Art Deco period by renown William Guerin of Limoges, France. Bursting bouquets beautifully hand-painted in vivid colors on bold...
Porcelain
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
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
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
$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
French Limoges Porcelain Two-Piece Burgundy Gilt Painted Vase Cachepot On Stand
By (After) Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Limoges
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
French Limoges Porcelain Burgundy Gilt Swan Handle Centerpiece Signed SC
By (After) Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Limoges
Located in Forney, TX
A beautiful vintage French Limoges porcelain swan handled table centerpiece / vase / fruit bowl / jardiniere / wine cooler with medallions after renowned 18th century Rococo painter ...
Porcelain
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
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
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
$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
Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Jar with Silver Lid, Floral Design
By Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very pretty silver-topped jar in Limoges porcelain, featuring a fresh and delicate hand-painted design of wild rosebuds, cornflowers and hawthorn branches, enclosed within concentr...
Silver
Beautifully Hand Painted & Decorated Gilt Gold Scene Detail Decorative Pair Vase
By Limoges
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your decor with this pair of beautifully hand-painted and decorated gilt gold scene detail decorative vases or centerpieces. Each vase is a masterpiece of artistry, featuring...
Gold
Limoges Porcelain Apothecary Jar
By Limoges
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a Limoges Porcelain Apothecary Jar. It depicts a cylindrical shaped jar with white background and hand painted with the front of a Greek Temple in the front center. The Latin na...
Porcelain
LIMOGES hand-painted porcelain vase, 1950s
By Limoges
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
LIMOGES vase in hand-painted Porcelain, France, 1950s. LIMOGES vase made of Porcelain hand-painted in France in the 1950s, with gold trim. The attribution mark is present at the bo...
Porcelain
Limoges Vase in Hand-Painted Porcelain with Floral & Gold Decor, France, 80s
By Limoges
Located in Bastogne, BE
A collectible vintage flower vase made in France by the famous Limoges manufactory, c. 1980s. This exquisite item is handcrafted from high-quality porcelain. Delicate white and pink...
Porcelain
$292Sale Price|39% Off
LIMOGES vase made of biscuit ceramic and enamel, with bas-reliefs in classical style
By Limoges
Located in Torino, IT
LIMOGES vase ceramic biscuit and enamel, with bas-reliefs in a classic style. ORIGIN France PERIOD Second Twentieth Century MARK LIMOGES France MATERIALS Biscuit ceramics and gla...
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Limoges Porcelain Vase with Napoleon Scene and Swan Handles
By Limoges
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
An elegant French Limoges porcelain vase featuring richly gilded swan-form handles, a deep ruby-red ground and finely executed hand-painted reserves depicting Napoleon and military o...
Porcelain
Antique French Limoges Enamel on Copper Portrait Vase, 19th Century
By Limoges
Located in San Francisco, CA
A small antique baluster shape portrait vase. Enamel on copper with a hand painted young woman and romantic scenic background. Unsigned. French, seco...
Copper, Enamel
$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
Lino Sabattini Italy Vase "Persepoli" Limited Edition 8/237
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Toledo, OH
Lio Sabattini "Persepoli" limited edition vase 8/237 Italy.
Metal
French Richly Decorated Centrepiece or Vase in White Porcelain
Located in Sofia, BG
Beautiful asymmetric porcelain centrepiece decorated with cupids and swan heads at both sides raised on a single oval platform.
Porcelain
$911Sale Price|30% Off
H 5.31 in Dm 5.11 in
Michaela Frey Lidded Jar, Matte Porcelain, Op Art Design, 1960s
By AK Kaiser, Michaela Frey
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Modern Op Art matte bone white lidded jar of high quality matte bisque porcelain. The exterior is decorated with a beautiful organic dotted circle relief pattern on both lid and body. The interior has been given a white smooth highly glossy glaze. Designed by Michaela Frey...
Porcelain
$852Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 7.17 in Dm 6.7 in
Lomonosov Porcelain Vase, Cobalt Blue Flowers & Gold, Russia, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Russian white porcelain vase manufactured in the 1950s by the Lomonosov Porcelain Factory which was founded in 1744. Soft shaped organic Mid-Century Modern vase decorated by hand with large mineral...
Gold
Toucan Vase Emaux de Longwy Limited Edition
Located in Paris, FR
Vase Toucan colorful, Emaux de Longwy from France, not waterproof vase, decorative vase, exceptional piece in limited edition of 50 pieces. Eartenware handcrafted.
Earthenware
Collection of Eight 19th Century Apothecary Jars
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Un-usual set of eight large late 19th Century apothecary jars. Each jar has been made using a vibrant yellow glass with super quality gilt edge labels and original tin lids with a r...
Glass
Flora Danica Lidded Ginger Jar by Royal Copenhagen
By Royal Copenhagen
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by Royal Copenhagen, this lidded ginger jar features one of the most prestigious porcelain patterns ever produced — the coveted Flora Danica pattern. The jar is rarity in the...
Porcelain
French Perfume Bottle Guerlain Paris
By Maison Guerlain
Located in New York, NY
An iconic French perfume bottle, perfume Shalimar, by Guerlain Pairs, known as the Flacon Chauve Souris (The Bat), born 1924, Paris, France. Shown, the iconic beautiful French urn ...
Crystal
Large Amber Apothecary Glasses, Jars Bottles
Located in Vienna, AT
Brown/amber apothecary pharmacy glasses from the 1920s-1930s.
Glass
Multi-Color Porcelain O-Jar with Lid
By Erin Turkoglu
Located in Helsinki, FI
O-Jar is a sculptural hand made porcelain vessel. A soft pink colored matte porcelain body is complemented with an oversized ball cap. The inside of the...
Porcelain
French Victorian Porcelain Apothecary Jars
Located in Queens, NY
4 French Victorian white porcelain apothecary jars with decorative rectangular decal with floral trim. (PRICED EACH, please specify jar label ...
Porcelain
French Porcelain Perfume Bottle
By Jacob Petit
Located in New Orleans, LA
A bird in flight adorns this charming perfume bottle attributed to famed French porcelain maker Jacob Petit. It is exemplary of the opulent artistry for which Petit is renowned, from...
Porcelain
Vintage Limoges Porcelain Apothecary Jar – “Marijuana”
By Limoges
Located in Victoria, BC
A charming and highly collectible French Limoges porcelain apothecary jar, beautifully decorated with ornate hand-painted cartouche work and labeled “Marijuana” in traditional Gothic...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modernist Porcelain Cachepot with Gilt Detailing by Limoges
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and beautifully scaled Mid-Century Modernist Porecelain Cachepot W/Gilt Detailing by Limoges originates from France, Circa 1950. This lovely cachepot features a classica...
Porcelain
Pair of Limoges Porcelain Vases, France, 20th Century.
By Limoges
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Limoges porcelain vases, France, 20th century. Pair of Limoges porcelain vases B&C Limoges France, beautiful painted flower decorations, gold embellishments, early 20th cent...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2.07 in Dm 1.63 in
Exquisite Limoges France Polychrome Porcelain Egg with Perfume Bottle Inside
By Limoges
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisitely handmade and hand painted miniature Limoges porcelain egg shaped perfume box with a hinged lid is decorated with pretty polychrome f...
Glass, Porcelain
Sold
H 11.75 in W 6.75 in D 3.5 in
Antique Pair of French Limoges Porcelain Ormolu Mounted Urns Vases Centerpieces
By Limoges
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning Pair of French Limoges Hard Paste Enameled Porcelain and Ormolu Twin Handle Table or Mantle Urns of traditional urn form and of outstanding quality, and good size proportion...
Ormolu
Early 20th Century Porcelain Jardinière Made by Limoges, France
By Limoges
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful porcelain jardieniere, made by the French brand Limoges. The jardiniere has beautiful relief decorations, gold-colored accents and a beautiful pattern of colorful flowers. ...
Porcelain
Large Art Deco Limoges Porcelain Vase by Camille Tharaud, France, 1930
By Camille Tharaud, Limoges
Located in Girona, Girona
Large Limoges porcelain vase decorated with ferns in blue tones. Small firing defects. Signed and stamped: Camille Tharaud. Limoges, France circa 1...
Porcelain
Large French Apothecary Jar Digitalis
By Limoges
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a beautiful and large French apothecary jar by Limoges. It features an intricate painted design and was for storing “Digitalis”, a genus...
Porcelain
Vintage French Limoges Apothecary Opium Jar
By Limoges
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a beautiful and large Vintage French Apothecary Opium Jar by Limoges. This jar features gold trim and the script “Opium Brut” (translates to raw opiu...
Porcelain
1890s Antique Limoges Porcelain Decorative Canister
By Limoges
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique (1890s) Limoges, France porcelain canister marked CFH/GDM, hand painted and signed. This beautiful piece is decadent in design. The porcelai...
Porcelain
Midcentury French Limoges Porcelain Apothecary or Pharmacy Jars, Set of 6
By Limoges
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a master bathroom, a bathtub or a kitchen cabinet with this elegant set of pharmaceutical jars. Created in Limoges, France, circa 1960 by the ...
Porcelain
Limoges Porcelain Vase Signed Peacock Decorated French Porcelain Vase
By Limoges
Located in Kingston, NY
Limoges Signed Peacock Art Nouveau Hand Painted Decorated Porcelain Vase. Stamped B&C Limoges France.
Porcelain