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.
Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Fish Dish by Limoges France
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Porcelain fish dish from the French brand Limoges. The service is decorated with decration of fish. The Dish dates from around 1960. The porcelain is of a beautiful, refined quality....
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
Set of Nine Limoges Gilt Decorated Porcelain Serving Bowls
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 Porcelain Plates, in Ceramic with Animals Decor Pattern, France 1960
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This pair of plates, are in porcelain. they has been made in France circa 1960, in the Limoges Manufacture. They represent Birds, in the forest. The main colors are Gold and Red.
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
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
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
Art Deco Limoges Jehan Darfueille Serving Pieces
By Limoges
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Wonderful Limoges servicing pieces in the Art Deco styling. Great colors and proportions with each piece accented by gold. One lidded bowl and one bowl...
Ceramic
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
Antique French Limoges Porcelain Tray
By Limoges, Gérard, Dufraisseix et Morel, Charles Fields Haviland
Located in Norwood, NJ
An exceptional antique French Limoges porcelain tray, bearing the marks CFH and GDM, finely hand-painted with a romantic Rococo Revival pastoral scene. The central cartouche depicts ...
Porcelain
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
$360Sale Price|60% Off
Important Early 1900s Floral Gold Leaf Large Limoges Porcelain Platter Tray
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 Platter Tray . Outstandingly done with Mag...
Porcelain
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
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
$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
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
Antique Limoges Hand-Painted Fish Set with Matching Platter & Sauce Boat
By Limoges
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique fish serving set was made by the renowned Limoges factory of France in approximately 1880 in the period Late Victorian style. The set is composed of porcelain and consis...
Porcelain
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
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
Gucci Cestri e Nastri Porcelain Ashtray by Limoges
By Limoges, Gucci
Located in Miami, FL
Fine porcelain Gucci cigar ashtray from the 'Cestri e Nastri' (Baskets & Ribbons) collection. Made in France by Limoges. Decorated with a basket of fruit a...
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 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
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
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
$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
$288Sale Price|30% Off
French Blue and Gold Soft-Boiled Egg Service, Porcelain Limoges, France, 1928
By Limoges
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Pretty soft-boiled egg service including 6 egg cups and a matching Limoges porcelain tray. Decorated with small pink, orange and purple flowers. Striking colors of French Blue as well as several gold edgings on the outside and inside of the egg cups. The interior gold edging of the egg cups and tray are finely crafted. Stamped Limoges Unique...
Porcelain
Limoges Porcelain Collectible Plates, by Louis Dali, Sights of Paris France
By Limoges
Located in Bastogne, BE
An interesting, beautiful series «Sights of Paris», which was released by the famous French manufactory Limoge in 1980-1983. The plots for the plates were written by the artist Lo...
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
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
Concerto after Arman, Limited Edition, Plate Number 30 for Rosenthal
By Theodore Haviland, Limoges, Arman
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
Limoges Footed Gold Trim Trinket or Jewelry Box
By Limoges
Located in Miami, FL
Neoclassical Limoges porcelain handcrafted and hand painted gold trimmed footed trinket/jewelry box or candy dish. Bears the Limoges makers mark. Glazed. Measures: 4 1/2" diameter...
Porcelain
$169Sale Price / item|20% Off
Eight Art Deco Primavera and Limoges Plates
By Limoges, Atelier Primavera au Printemps
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Eight Art Deco Primavera and Limoges plates wear of the decor on one of the plates.
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
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
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
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