Limoges Porcelain

Limoges refers to hard-paste porcelain produced in factories near Limoges, France, but does not refer to any specific manufacturer. In 1771, the first Limoges porcelain factory was established. It was so successful, the King of France purchased the plant to exclusively manufacture white porcelain for the palace. During the Victorian era, several Limoges porcelain factories began to pop up in Baignol, Alluaud, and Tharaud.

In 1842, American David Haviland built a factory in Limoges that became the world-famous Haviland china brand. Though made in France, Haviland china was produced primarily for the North American market. In 1880, Haviland was commissioned by the White House, which only boosted its international recognition.

An especially popular item produced in the Limoges china factories were bonbonniéres. These small boxes were used by women to keep sweets that disguised bad breath. In post-war France, virtually every gift shop sold novelty items such as dollhouse-sized pianos, tables, and chairs. Both the bonbonniéres and novelty items are highly collected today.

Quick Facts

• Limoges potteries borrowed freely from several influences including Japanese and Indian porcelain makers
• In the 1800s, blank Limoges china and porcelain were sent from Limoges to the United States to be decorated by amateur china painters following instruction manuals
• A few Limoges pieces featured illustrations of paintings by famous artist J.M.W. Turner
• Another manufacturer of porcelain, Herend, have similar <a href=”https://www.invaluable.com/herend-china/sc-MHNKUGX93X/”>china pieces available for sale</a> on Invaluable.