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.
12 Art Deco Limoges White and Gold Soup Bowls by Marcel Goupy for Rouaud, Paris
By Limoges, Marcel Goupy
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A Rare and Stylish Gold Rimmed Ivory White Art Deco Limoges Porcelain Cream, consomme or Soup set for 12 by Marcel Goupy for Rouaud Paris. Antique Ivory ...
Porcelain
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)
Limoges France Porcelain Dish Ashtray Souvenir of Paris Cobalt Blue and 24K Gold
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand-Painted Cobalt Blue and Gold Limoges France Porcelain Ashtray. Vintage Limoges France porcelain round ashtray cobalt blue and 24 karat gold. Elegant precious porcelain ashtray hand painted with a scene Souvenir of Paris, the monuments are The Tour Eiffel, the Arc de Triumphe, Le Sacre Coeur, The Notre Dame, L'opera. Use it as an ashtray or for decorative accent dish. Limoges made in France...
Porcelain
Set of Four Vintage Porcelain Playing Card Themed Dishes/Ashrays C1960s
By Limoges
Located in Trensacq, FR
Charming set of 4 vintage playing card-themed trinket dishes/ashtrays from Poland, circa 1960. Four gilded porcelain dishes in heart, diamond, spade and club form. Originally des...
Porcelain
Set of 5 Handpainted Delinières Limoges Porcelain Cups and Saucers, 1906
By Limoges, Delinieres & Co. 1
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique set of porcelain cups and saucers was made by R. Delinières & Cie in Limoges, France, in late 19th century. After it was imported, it was hand-painted by Mary Catherine C...
Gold
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
Boin-Taburet & Faberge-8pc 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set + 6 Faberge Egg Cups
By Limoges, Boin-Taburet
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
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
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
Art Nouveau Flower Vase Limoges Porcelain and Silver by Joe Descomps
By Limoges, Joe Descomps Cormier
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
$2,796Sale Price / set|20% Off
Exceptional 13 Pc, Porcelain Seafood Service by Haviland Limoges Circa. 1890
By Limoges, Haviland & Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite seafood service set, produced by the renowned Haviland & Co. of Limoges, France, dates from 1888 to 1896. Known for their unparalleled porcelain quality and artistic h...
Porcelain
French Limoges Porcelain Playing Card Themed Dishes/Ashrays C1960s Set of 4
By Limoges
Located in Trensacq, FR
Charming set of 4 vintage playing card-themed trinket dishes/ashtrays from Limoges, France circa 1950. Four gilded 'Gout de Ville' porcelain dishes in heart, diamond, spade and c...
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
Limoges France Dish in Royal Blue with Fragonard Couple and Fine Gold Metal Trim
By Limoges, Cristalleries De Sevres
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Limoges France Dish in Royal Blue with Fragonard Couple and Fine Gold Metal Trim. Elegant fine vintage Limoges porcelain with 22-karat gold painted trinket small dish vide poche catchall. French vintage Limoges dish in cobalt royal blue with fine gold trim and handles. The cobalt blue, rectangular shaped dish features a country scene with a courting couple after the Fragonard 19th...
Gold Plate, Brass
Limoges France Demitasse Tea Cup and Saucers Set Porcelain 1930
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Limoges France Tea or coffee Cups and Saucers Set Porcelain circa 1930. Limoges French set of 4 tea Cups and 3 Saucers Set Porcelain 1930 Fine China...
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
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
Antique Set of 10 Blue Floral Limoges Dishes for J.E. Caldwell
By Limoges, J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Toronto, ON
A gorgeous set of 10 antique Limgoes blue floral and gilt dinner plates made for J.E. Caldwell.
Porcelain
Limoges Naturalistic Luster Oyster Plate with Deep Center Well, France
By Limoges
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Limoges Naturalistic Luster Oyster Plate with Deep Center Well, France This elegant French Limoges naturalistic oyster plate exemplifies the refined interpretation of the Victorian ...
Porcelain
Guerin &Co Limoges France Set of 3 Cups and Saucers Bone China, 1891-1900
By Limoges
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Set of 3 cups and 3 saucers by Guerin &Co was made of fine, semi-transparent bone china in Limoges, France. The set is hand decorated in Victorian style with ornamental blue and brown thistle flowers motifs on white background and gold trim on cups handles. The pieces are marked with green underglaze factory marks "Limoges W.G.&Co France" that date back to 1891-1900 and red decorator overglaze marks "Wm...
Porcelain, Ceramic
Beautifully Hand Painted / Gilt French Porcelain Footed Centerpiece Bowl
By Limoges
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Enhance your dining or decor with this beautifully hand-painted and gilt gold-decorated French Limoges Porcelain Footed Tableware Centerpiece Bowl. This exquisite piece is a true wor...
Gold
Limoges, French Dinner Set, 54 Pieces, Milles Raies Rose
By Limoges, Atelier Raynaud
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Limoges 54 piece dinner set includes 23 dinner plates as well as various plates in other sizes, and serving dishes crafted with fine porcelain. Raynaud's pattern "Milles Raies...
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
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
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
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
1890 Limoges Porcelain Wild Birds Set for 12 People
By Limoges, E. Bourgeois
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
$1,561Sale 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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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 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 6 Antique Delinières Limoges Porcelain Mugs Cups, France 1894-1900
By Limoges, Delinieres & Co. 1
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
$1,200 / set
Antique French Limoges Porcelain Plates, Pair
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of antique French Limoges porcelain plates, circa 19th century, France. Plates are predominantly a terracotta hue with a carnation pink center, and a hand-painted go...
Porcelain
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
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
Haviland Limoges Coffee Service with Blue and Pink Floral Motifs
By Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined coffee service by Haviland Limoges highlights the artistry and delicate craftsmanship for which French porcelain has been admired for centuries. Produced by one of the m...
Enamel
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
Vintage Atomic "Pop" Lidded Porcelain Casserole by L. Bernardaud & Co. of Limoge
By Limoges, L. Bernardaud and Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice Very cool and rare vintage atomic "Pop" lidded porcelain casserole by L. Bernardaud & Co. of Limoge, France, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no ...
Porcelain
Porcelain Ashtray, Guilt and Blue Color, Limoges, France, Early 20th Century
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Ashtray is in Porcelain. In green and gold Color. It has been made by the well known manufacturer limoges, and signed. Datation is early 20th century.
Porcelain
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 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
Set of 11 French Larchevêque UML Limoges Porcelain Dessert Plates and Platter
By Limoges
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of 11 French Marc Larchevêque UML Limoges porcelain dessert plates and platter from the 19th century, with floral garlands and gilt trim. Created in France during the 19th cent...
Porcelain
$1,200Sale Price|35% Off
Immaculate Set of Six French Limoges Oyster Plates
By Limoges
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant and Classic, this Limoges oyster plate is contoured for 5 oysters, and features a charming pattern of pink and purple flowers with a brushed gold rim. Plate measures about 8 and 5/8" in diameter and an inch in depth. These plates are in immaculate condition, see photos. Mark features round "Limoges" stamp around GDA France...
Porcelain
Cartier Green Terrazzo Limoges Porcelain Tableware Maison Venitienne 59 Pieces
By Limoges, Cartier
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Tableware Set "La Maison Venitienne" made in Limoges green terrazzo porcelain by Cartier in 1989. All pieces are signed. Can be put in dishwasher and microwave. Perfect condition....
Porcelain
Vintage White Porcelain Limoges Nautical Cachepot / Tureen
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
Vintage white porcelain Limoges nautical cachepot / tureen. Oblong shaped footed tureen with gilt rope handles perfect for your shell collections. Underg...
Porcelain
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
Art deco Limoges porcelain coffee set
By Limoges
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Art deco Limoges porcelain coffee set Complete coffee set for 12 people 40 pieces in total Art deco design Origin Franca Circa 1940 The coffee set is composed of: (measurements in ce...
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
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
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
Birks Limoges, Gilt Porcelain Cream/Sugar/Tray, France, Mid-20th Century
By Henry Birks & Son, Limoges
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
Limoges Pocelain Louveciennes 'Stamp' France, Set of 9 Pieces
By Limoges
Located in Verviers, BE
This is a set of 9 pieces Limoges Louveciennes porcelain with hand applied gold highlights and Flowers decoration Cute additions for a formal table. Limoges is one of the best porce...
Porcelain
French White Faience Mustard Pot Limoges Circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French White Faience Mustard Pot Limoges Circa 1900.
Ceramic, Porcelain
Early 20th century French Set of Limoges Porcelain Plates, 1900s
By Limoges, Haviland & Co.
Located in LEGNY, FR
Charming Limoges porcelain dinner service by Haviland, dating from the early 20th century (circa 1900), featuring a delicate wildflower pattern. This set stands out for the fine qua...
Porcelain