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 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
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
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
$224Sale Price|20% Off
Small Porcelain Blue Flowers Oyster Plate Limoges, circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
Small Porcelain Blue Flowers Oyster Plate Limoges, circa 1900. 7.5 inches diameter.
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
Porcelain Ashtray Limoges Paris Arc de Triomphe Hand-Painted Dish France 1960s
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Limoges Porcelain Ashtray The Paris "Arc de Triomphe" Hand-Painted Dish France 1960s. Limoges porcelain Vintage Ashtray Dish with The Paris ...
Porcelain
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
Antique Large Figural French Grape & Leaf Limoges Tankard
By Limoges
Located in Norton, MA
A wonderful antique large antique French Jean Pouyat Limoges figural porcelain decorated tankard offers a scalloped rim absolutely 100% hand-painte...
Porcelain
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Limoges Porcelain Hand Painted Gold Trimmed Candleholder
By Limoges
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful hand painted porcelain candleholder by Limoges. The prominent white and burgundy tones are very pleasing to the eye as are the exquisite details including gold trims with accentuating floral designs. Very good condition, no cracks or chips. Bears the well known Limoges mark...
Porcelain
$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
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
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
$3,200 / set
19th Century Limoges Game Bird Set
By Limoges
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century game bird set with 12 plates, all measuring 9.25 inches in diameter x 1.25 inches in height, and a large platter measuring 18.25 inches long x 12.5 inches wide x 2....
Ceramic
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
Large 19th Century French Limoges Wall Art Painted Plate
By Limoges
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Presenting a large 19th century French Limoges wall art painted decorative plate, a captivating showcase of artistry and elegance. This remarkable piece features a beautifully hand-painted scene depicting two colorful ducks gracefully swimming in serene water. The rich hues of the ducks are masterfully rendered, complemented by delicate gilt gold accents that add a touch of luxury to the artwork. The plate's impressive 15.5-inch diameter makes it a striking statement piece, perfect for enhancing any wall or display area. Its exquisite craftsmanship is evidenced by the artist's signature and maker's mark found on the underside, attesting to its authenticity and heritage. In excellent condition, this decorative plate has been carefully preserved over the years, ensuring its vivid colors and intricate details remain intact. Whether you are a collector of fine porcelain or an admirer of nature-inspired art, this French Limoges wall plate...
Gold
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
Set of Six Paris Porcelain Angel Wing Cups
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
Set of six Paris Porcelain angel wing cups. Vintage set of six large cups and saucers of classical baluster form with projecting winged handles; stamped Limoges under saucers perfec...
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
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
Advertising French Limoges Ceramic White with a Blue Logo Catchall Ashtray
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Advertising French Limoges Ceramic white with a blue logo catchall or ashtray. The french text in the back says "GERLING NCM", "Hôtel de Harlay", and "Jeudi 21 Mars 2002". * Hôtel de Harlay: This is a building in Paris that became the Maison du Barreau in 1996, a place for dialogue between legal and business professionals. The plate is likely a commemorative item from an event, potentially a meeting or conference, that GERLING NCM held at the Hôtel de Harlay in Paris on March 21, 2002. Marked Haumieres Paris Limoges France...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Vintage Limoges Porcelain Plates After Fernand Leger, 1970's Black and White
By Limoges, (after) Fernand Léger
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of lithographic black and white Porcelain plates is by a design after Leger manufactured by Limoges France. They are vintage...
Porcelain
$550Sale Price / set|20% Off
Limoges Gilt Banded Porcelain Plates Retailed by Stern Brothers NY Set of 8
By Limoges, Stern Brothers 1
Located in Miami, FL
Limoges Gilt Banded Porcelain Plates Retailed by Stern Brothers NY Set of 8 Offered for sale is a set of eight gilt-banded Limoges plates with patterne...
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
French Limoges Porcelain Bowl with Green Bouquet of Roses and Underplate
By Limoges
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Limoges porcelain bowl from the late 19th century, with green bouquet of roses décor, petite gilt feet and matching underplate. Created by the AMR factory (Ancienne Manufact...
Porcelain
20th century Set of Limoges Porcelain Service Calcutta Model, 1960s
By Limoges
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful Limoges porcelain dinner service signed Jammet Seignolles, model “Calcutta,” distinguished by its elegant green floral decoration inspired by nature, delicately enhanced wi...
Porcelain
Early 20th century French set of 12 Limoges Porcelain Desert Plates, 1920s
By Limoges
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice set of 12 plates (one split) in Limoges porcelain dating from the 20s, hand-painted. Spring decoration, flowers, butterflies and insects. Signature of the designer MC on so...
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
Vintage Limoges French Soup Tureen & Large Serving Bowl Set – Price for the Pair
By Limoges
Located in Bastogne, BE
Elevate your dining experience or home decor with this stunning vintage set from Limoges, France. This elegant duo includes a beautiful soup tureen and a generously sized serving bo...
Porcelain
Set of Limoges France Serving Pieces (8 pieces)
By Limoges
Located in Pasadena, TX
This set of serve ware was made in Limoges France. It has a bright and hand painted feel to it. The set consist of salt and pepper shakers, a creamer and sugar bowl, and 4 tumblers.
Porcelain
20th century French Limoges Porcelain Set by Haviland, 1960s
By Limoges, Haviland & Co.
Located in LEGNY, FR
Stunning Limoges porcelain dinnerware set by renowned French maker Haviland, known for its timeless craftsmanship and elegance. This set features a classic twisted relief design, cha...
Porcelain
LIMOGES porcelain - container with 2 handles, lid and plate , gold glaze
By Limoges
Located in Milano, IT
A LIMOGES porcelain glazed in pure gold and with agate-etched decorations, Quality and refinement that always characterizes the LIMOGES brand. It consists of 3 pieces, plate, bi-vane...
Porcelain
19th Century Limoges Serving Dish
By Limoges
Located in New Orleans, LA
Large antique French china serving dish with makers mark (Vor Etienne & Fils). 19th Century Limoges decorated by store employees of Etienne & Fils...
Porcelain
Concerto after Arman, Limited Edition, Plate Number 30 for Rosenthal
By Theodore Haviland, Arman, Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
"Concerto d'apres Arman, Edition Limitee, Assiette No 30." signed and numbered in back. Concerto after Arman, Limited Edition, Plate Number 30 Porcelain platter for Haviland Limoges,...
Porcelain
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
Limoges porcelain plate hand-painted roses circa 1903-1912
By Limoges
Located in Paris, FR
An elegant Limoges porcelain plate, beautifully executed by the esteemed Paroutaud Frères (B & P), operating in Limoges, France, during the early 20th century. This plate exemplifies...
Porcelain
Beautiful Pair of Late 19th Century French Limoges Porcelain Busts on Sevres
By Limoges
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful pair of late 19th century French Limoges porcelain busts on Sevres style bases.
Porcelain
Limoges porcelain plate hand-painted flowers circa 1903–1912
By Limoges
Located in Paris, FR
A magnificent antique Limoges porcelain plate, crafted by the renowned Paroutaud Frères (B & P), active between 1903 and 1912. This ex...
Porcelain
Limoges - Porcelain Tureen And Display Stand
By Limoges
Located in Beaune, FR
A Limoges porcelain tureen and serving platter. This set is in perfect condition, green with gold highlights and decorated with floral and bird motifs. Signed "Limoges France". Di...
Porcelain
1950s Limoges production centerpiece
By Limoges
Located in Busnago, IT
Limoges production centerpiece C1950s in the Classical French style ceramic and bronze material height 18 cm 30 cm diameter
Ceramic
French Art Deco White Porcelain Figural Lamp Signed Limoges
By Limoges
Located in Beirut, LB
Art Deco French “Veilleuse”, or night light of Bedouin women in Porcelain, with gilt trim. Lovely when lights on. Signed on the reverse “Limoges”. Can be delivered and Wired for A...
Porcelain
Pair of French Art Deco Porcelain Figural Lamp Signed Limoges
By Limoges
Located in Beirut, LB
Pair of Art Deco French “Veilleuse”, or night light of Bedouin women in Porcelain. The first in blue color with gilt trim and the second in white color with gilt trim. Can be sold se...
Porcelain