What is Limoges porcelain? The simple answer is, Limoges is not brand or a name of a company, Limoges is an entire city in France that produced (and continues to produce) beautiful ceramics and is home to some of the world's finest hand painted porcelain. From delicate florals and geometric designs to more scenic decorative pieces. Here's some things to look for in pieces for your own collection.
Limoges Designs
Limoges designs are classic, so whether your decorating taste leans more minimal or more eclectic and cozy there will likely be a pattern or design that fits. It leans towards more opulent but there are few more understate designs or earthy tones that will fit even a more bohemian aesthetic. Some of the most common design motifs you'll find highlighted below.
Scalloped, Embossed, Gilded, and Painted
Elaborate or heavily gilded or handpainted pieces will often command higher price points than more simple or transfer print designs. Classic Limoges pieces were hand painted on pre-cast paste forms and that allowed them to put a lot of work into the surface elements of the design.
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| a spiral scalloped bowl with printed design | delicate design with gilding on scalloped plate | an intricate blue floral hand painted design on scalloped bowl |
Transferprint
These designs will feature a print that has been pre-printed and applied or transferred to the ceramic. They often feature classic gold details on rims and to highlight the piece. These transfer print motifs will often be used to create multicolor scenes or depict figures or wildlife.
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| mini limoges transferprint vase | a larger limoges transferprint vase | a decorative limoges plate with bird |
Hand painted florals
A classic motif you'll find across all genres of pottery is explored in uniquely beautiful ways by Limoges artisans. You'll find everything from elaborate hand painted floral borders to classic blue and white florals resembling delft or asian designs.
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| chantilly limoges hand painted bird shaped salt/pepper with blue floral design | chantilly limoges cookie plate with handle and hand painted details throughout |
Geometric
Some examples of more geometric art deco/art nouveau designs below that would fit into a more minimal or modern design aesthetic.
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| beautiful art nouveau/art deco and gilded border plate | delicate art deco border and gilding on this pair of limoges tea cups/saucers |
Beyond Tableware
You'll find that these elegant hand painted and transferprint designs are applied beyond just tableware. Limoges designs are applied on a wide range of other fine porcelain household goods as well - planters and vases being the most common items, but also vanity items like jewelry and pill boxes.
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| A large chantilly limoges jardiniere with hand painted details. | a hand signed mark on base |
Identifying Base Marks
Look for a stamp or mark on the base pieces to identify Limoges from other porcelain. Some marks will include the name of the company that commissioned or decorated the piece and these can be used to narrow down date and in rare cases the pattern/design.
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Styling and Use
When deciding whether to display or use your limoges pieces may depend on the age and rarity of the design as well as food safety concerns. Many people will collect limoges for display in a china cabinet or as a wall hanging. Some pieces could work mixed in with more modern china such as a saucer or charger. It can be hard to track down replacements for some of these designs and many were not named, so look for sets/multiples if needed.
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| seasonal cookies in a hand painted limoges bowl | a limoges vase could grace a side table, mantle, or windowsill. | small porcelain dishes work beautifully as a ring/jewelry dish in a bathroom, vanity, or bedside table |
You can find a curated selection of Limoges pieces here at Homespice, and hopefully this has given you some ideas of ways to style these vintage pieces into your own home.