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.
19th Century French Limoges Enamel Plaque in Gilt Bronze Frame
By Limoges
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Limoges enamel plaque depicts a knight in full armour. He is portrayed turning towards the viewer, as though he is about to unsheathe his sword. The knight stands...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
$1,950
H 7.5 in W 12 in D 0.25 in
Limoges Pate Sur Pate Porcelain Plaque, Art Nouveau, Late 19th Century
Located in Montreal, QC
A Limoges pate sur pate porcelain plaque, depicting a young girl examining a snail which in turn is looking back curiously. Both the child and ...
Porcelain
Fishing Trophy Wooden Plaques 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Fishing trophy wooden plaques 19th century Fishing trophy 19th century wooden plaques Two hand carved wooden plaques with 19th century fishing trophi...
Fruitwood
Large French 19th Century Landscape Painting in Gilt Frame
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
The large scale of this 19th-century French landscape painting allows viewers to feel as if they are stepping into the French countryside. The features of the landscape are painted ...
Wood
19th Century Painting on Porcelain in Gilt Frame
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A painting on porcelain of a nobleman and nude woman with cupids, elaborately painted and highly detailed. The original gilt wood frame with reti...
Porcelain, Giltwood
$1,850
H 12.88 in W 10.38 in D 1.25 in
Allegorical Belle Époque Limoges Enamel Painting Plaque of a Semi-Nude Bacchante
By Limoges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Allegorical Belle Époque Limoges Enamel Painting Plaque of a Semi-Nude Bacchante. The convex baked enamel copper plaque finely painted depicting a scantily clad young female Maen...
Copper
19th Century Diana the Huntress Bronze Bas Relief Wall Plaque
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
19th century diana the huntress bronze bas relief wall plaque. Diana with raised bow and hunting dog near her side. We have specialized in the sale of...
Bronze
$650 / set
H 9.5 in W 19 in D 1 in
Chinese Lacquered Carved Wall Plaques, 19th Century, Red & Gilt Trim
Located in Queens, NY
4 Asian Chinese style (19th century) red lacquered and gilt trimmed wall plaques with carved scenes with figures.
Wood
19th Century Russian Orthodox Bronze and Enamel Cross
Located in DE
Wall or home cross. Russian orthodox bronze and enamel cross. Scene with Martha, Maria, Johannes, and Longinus underneath the cross and above the sku...
Bronze, Enamel
$15,000
H 48 in W 24 in D 1 in
Philip & Kelvin Laverne "Peasants Plaque" with Enamel Cloisonne 1960s - Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Peasants Plaque" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand enamel cloisonne by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed front bottom center "Kelvin + Philip LaVe...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Italian 19th Century Trapezoidal Wall Plaque
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian decorative wall plaque with trapezoid shape from the 19th century. This antique wall ornament from Italy has an inverted trapezoid shape, with oval center comprised of a pierced carved floral medallion flanked within a pair of leaves. The trapezoid shape is highlighted by various moldings with faux-marble painting...
Wood
Wallhanged Bronze plaque signed Barbedienne, Late 19th c
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
This exquisite bronze plaque, measuring 29 cm in height and 8 cm in width, is a remarkable example of fine metal artistry, signed by F. Barbedienne, a renowned 19th-century French fo...
Bronze
A French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Rosewood plaque
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and most impressive French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Rosewood plaque. The wonderfully decorative Ormolu plaque is set within a richly carved wave like and mo...
Ormolu