Limoges Enamel Vases.
Porcelain

Limoges porcelain

Large 19th Century French Limoges Wall Art Painted Plate.
Large 19th Century French Limoges Wall Art Painted Plate.

The famous mark of Limoges porcelain, the inscription “Limoges France” applied with chromium oxide, is no less known to connoisseurs than the cobalt crossed swords of Meissen.

Currently, the brand unites 12 enterprises operating in the Haute-Vienne department and protected by geography.
“Limoges” has an easily recognizable style, with a predominance of classical forms, elegant hand-painting and a colorful color palette.

Antique Large Limoges France Hand Painted Vase.
Antique Large Limoges France Hand Painted Vase.

Limoges has been a renowned center for the glass production of enamel and earthenware since the Middle Ages. The city was also famous for its craftsmen who made decorative objects.

However, in 1771, when a deposit of kaolin clay was discovered near Limoges, the city also became the capital of porcelain.

Since the 12th century, the city of Limoges in the Limousin region (today the department of Haute-Vienne) has been famous for its copper products decorated with cloisonné enamel. Beautiful tapestries and art glass were also made here.

French Limoges Porcelain Jewelry Box with Rich Gold Decor.
French Limoges Porcelain Jewelry Box with Rich Gold Decor.

In the 1730s, local manufacturers of earthenware and ceramic tableware became famous. But the star of Limoges shone especially brightly with the beginning of the era of porcelain – the famous “white gold”, the secret of which was borrowed from the Chinese, and then supplemented and improved by European masters.

The Limoges people learned about the intricacies of the production of thin-walled ceramics in 1712 from two letters from their fellow countryman, the Jesuit missionary François Xavier d’Entrecole. The French monk lived for several years in the porcelain capital of the Celestial Empire, Jingdezhen, and thoroughly studied the secrets of Chinese potters.

Beautiful Limoges France Hand Painted Porcelain Fan Trinket Box.
Beautiful Limoges France Hand Painted Porcelain Fan Trinket Box.

He also sent home several books with detailed illustrations of the stages of the production process – from mixing raw materials to firing.

Limoges porcelain is famous for its impeccable white texture, interesting painting and inlay. As a rule, excellent porcelain works, distinguished by the purity of the porcelain mass and the fineness of grinding, are never completely covered with painting in order to emphasize the beauty of the “natural body”.

Ordinary porcelain is fired at a temperature of 680 to 900 degrees, but to obtain Limoges it is necessary to increase the degree to 1400.

Porcelain Oyster Plate with Seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900.
Porcelain Oyster Plate with Seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900.

Between 1765 and 1770, deposits of kaolin clay, similar in composition to the famous Saxon counterparts, were discovered in the vicinity of Limoges. The first deposit in the small settlement of Saint-Yry-la-Perche became known thanks to chance.

Retired military surgeon Jean Baptiste Darnay once told his former colleague, pharmacist from Bordeaux Marc-Hilaire Vilaris, about his wife, who used clay found nearby in the mountains as a bleach.

As it turned out later, the lands around the village, located at the junction of two tectonic plates of the Paleozoic era, are rich in high-quality kaolin and feldspar – two main components, without which porcelain is unthinkable.

Late 19th Century Limoges Enamel Keepsake Box.
Late 19th Century Limoges Enamel Keepsake Box.

Vilaris, who had been studying the properties of minerals for many years, became interested in his friend’s story.
Taking several samples of local clays, he made a chemical analysis, which allowed him to establish their suitability for the production of thin-walled ceramics, similar to Meissen and Chinese.

Through the efforts of an enterprising pharmacist, the Marcognac quarry was opened in 1766, where the famous Limoges kaolin was mined, which after firing produced a very thin, white and transparent shard.

In 1769, King Louis XV bought the deposit, taking ceramic production in the region under his control.
At the same time, supplies of kaolin raw materials began to the Sevres manufactory, where previously they produced not hard, but soft frit porcelain, more fragile and not so snow-white.

Limoges Porcelain Jewellery or Sweets Lidded Dish.
Limoges Porcelain Jewellery or Sweets Lidded Dish.

During this period, the region experienced a real fever, akin to gold. Only we were talking about “white gold”.
Prices for land plots where kaolin was discovered grew rapidly.

The reservoirs were literally occupied by mills for grinding kaolin, pigmatite and field quartz – the dry components of the porcelain mass.
Many leading European manufactories, attracted by the unique quality of raw materials, purchased them for their own needs.

1970‘s Limoges Porcelain Ashtray Indian Elephant.
1970‘s Limoges Porcelain Ashtray Indian Elephant.

Among the importers of Limoges “white gold” were the St. Petersburg Imperial Porcelain Factory, the Danish manufactory Royal Copenhagen, the Dutch Delft, as well as German factories in Dresden, Hoechst and Frankenthal.

The concept of “Limoges porcelain” does not refer to an individual manufacturer, but includes all enterprises located in this city. Among them it is worth highlighting the following factories:

  • ROYALE DE PORCELAINE;
  • BERNARDAU;
  • HAVILAND LIMOGES;
  • HAVILAND & CO;
  • ATELIER D’ART DE LIMOGES;
  • DESHOULIÈRES.
Limoges Porcelain Hand Painted Gold Trimmed Candleholder.
Limoges Porcelain Hand Painted Gold Trimmed Candleholder.

The firstborn of the Limoges porcelain industry – ROYALE DE PORCELAINE

In 1761-774, Limoges was ruled by one of the most enlightened French officials, Anne Robbert Jacques Turgot.
He saw the opening of porcelain production as an excellent opportunity to improve the financial situation of the region, which was disastrous at that time. Turgot turned to the owner of a large pottery workshop, Andre Macier, proposing to abandon thick-walled ceramics in favor of “white gold” and promising comprehensive patronage. The project was supported financially by the Grelle brothers, and the young alchemist and scientist Nicolas Fournera provided the technical side of the process.

Thus, in 1771, the first Limoges porcelain manufactory was opened, which some time later was taken under the wing of the grandson of Louis XV, the Count d’Artois, the future King Charles X. Since 1784, the enterprise became known as the Royale de porcelaine de Limoges and became a branch of Sèvres.

Limoges Porcelain Jar with Silver Lid.
Limoges Porcelain Jar with Silver Lid.

During the French Revolution, the factory was nationalized. Six years later, it was owned by a major local industrialist, François Allue, who then opened his own enterprise, today known as Haviland. From 1926 to 1986, the former royal manufactory operated under the guise of Société Porcelainiere, until it was merged by the giant of the modern porcelain industry – Bernardaud.

Today, under the restored ROYALE DE PORCELAINE brand, luxury tableware with hand-painted unique style is produced.

Some of the collections copy the best examples of the 18th-9th centuries, maintaining the continuity of generations.
Other items are created in collaboration with leading contemporary designers, such as a series designed by Takada Kenzo.

Vintage Limoges Single Perfume Bottle Box.
Vintage Limoges Single Perfume Bottle Box.

BERNARDAUD (BERNADOTT)

This French brand is famous for its impeccable porcelain, which is often called perfect. Today, as before, this brand produces porcelain items for luxury hotels and restaurants: Ritz, Carlton, Four Seasons, Hotel Costes.

The history of the manufacture began in 1863, when the Bernardaud family opened (like many other residents of Limoges) their small factory. Having quickly mastered all the intricacies of producing this type of ceramic, the Bernardaud family workshop has grown into a popular, prestigious brand producing luxurious, expensive porcelain objects.

In 1900, Limoges industrialist Leonard Bernardo bought a porcelain factory from his partner, Remy Delignere, which he turned into a family business. The previous manufactory, founded in 1863, was uncompetitive. Leonard Bernardo refocused production on the American market and opened an office in New York in 1911 to export goods without intermediaries.

Large Antique Limoges Hand Painted Holy Fruit Porcelain Platter Signed Dubois.
Large Antique Limoges Hand Painted Holy Fruit Porcelain Platter Signed Dubois.

Under the sons of the company’s founder, Jacques and Michel, Bernardaud gained fame in its homeland. His Art Deco products took first place at international exhibitions, in particular the Paris exhibition held in 1925. Immediately after the Second World War, a global modernization of the enterprise was carried out, the first tunnel ovens in the region were installed using gas rather than wood fuel, which provided significant savings.

The next generation of the Bernardo family brings its own innovations. The brand was the first to use television to promote its products. In addition, collaborating with leading industrial designer Raymond Loewy, the company released collections of modern style, which was a real revolution for Limoges, which sacredly revered the classical traditions.

Enamelled Porcelain Vase by Limoges.
Enamelled Porcelain Vase by Limoges.

In 2002, Leonardo Bernardo’s great-grandson Michel, the current owner of the company, created a corporate foundation designed to take care of the renewal of the porcelain industry, the introduction of progressive methods and technologies. The structure holds cultural events, the purpose of which is to introduce the public to the history of ceramics not only in France, but throughout the world. Since 2012, Michelle Bernard has chaired Colbert’s national luxury committee. His company is also a member of the association, offering consumers not only exclusive series, but also professional porcelain for high-end restaurants.

Items of this brand can be recognized by their characteristic whiteness and the absence of unnecessary details. Bernardaud craftsmen prefer classics, so most of the items are not painted, but inlaid with silver and black stones.

Potiche in Limoges Porcelain, 1960.
Potiche in Limoges Porcelain, 1960.

HAVILAND LIMOGES

A turning point in the Limoges porcelain industry came with the arrival of the New York tableware merchant, David Haviland. He moved to France in 1842, when the industrial crisis in his homeland forced him to look for new sources of supply of quality thin-walled ceramics.

Having collected samples of products from several Limoges factories, Haviland sent them to his brother in the USA, who continued the family business.

The furor created among the New York clientele and the high demand for French “white gold” prompted the American to create his own enterprise in Limoges. Haviland, like no one else, knew the tastes of American consumers and was guided by them when producing porcelain that was in many ways unique to Europe.

Limoges France Porcelain Trinket Box.
Limoges France Porcelain Trinket Box.

Salvador Dali, Wassily Kandinsky and Suzanne Lalique – representatives of the main movements in the art of the 20th century – collaborated with the factory.

The Haviland family brought many innovations to the traditional world of Limoges. Among them:
– Lithography is a method of printing directly onto porcelain, without using decals. The result was an artistic drawing, which allowed saving on manual labor. The basis was taken from Chinese samples and paintings by the Impressionists who were in fashion at that time.

– Variations on the same theme. Small changes were made to the decor each time, giving customers a wide range of choices while maintaining the basic style of the product.

Limoges Porcelain Heart Trinket Box.
Limoges Porcelain Heart Trinket Box.

The use of an unusual color scheme, which later became “branded” for the entire region. Shades of mint, turquoise, sea green, pink, lilac and light green gave the porcelain a rich colorfulness without depriving it of sophistication.
Through the efforts of an American entrepreneur, exports to the United States increased 10-fold between 1842 and 1853.

And the number of manufacturing factories in Limoges has grown to 40. By that time, the most famous French porcelain overseas was nicknamed “presidential”. It was favored by Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, and later Franklin Roosevelt.

Vintage Limoges Purse Shaped Box.
Vintage Limoges Purse Shaped Box.
ATELIER D’ART DE LIMOGES (ATELIER LIMOGES)

The Atelier D’Art de Limoges manufactory was founded in 1771 by the brothers Grellet and Massier.
Contrary to popular belief, the factory produces not only boxes: dishes, vases, sculptures, and other interior items were made here.

The works are made of porcelain mass made using secret technology. In order to create one “work of art” it is necessary to go through at least 26 stages. All these operations are manual labor. It takes about a month of painstaking work by craftsmen to create one item (from making the dough to sending it to stores).

However, the boxes are still very popular: first of all, due to their unusual design and memorable style. For example, in the collections of this brand you can find small boxes for milk teeth and first curls, pill boxes or “boxes for secrets” made back in the 18th century.

Mid 19th Century Limoges Enamel Flask.
Mid 19th Century Limoges Enamel Flask.
DESHOULIÈRES

The Deshoulières porcelain factory was one of the last to be founded in Limoges – only in 1826.
However, this circumstance did not become an obstacle on the path to popularity.
Today, like almost 200 years ago, the Manufactory produces snow-white ceramics with bright patterns.
Deshoulières ceramics (different from some other brands) are safe for health, because they do not contain lead or cadmium.

And the whiteness of objects does not fade over time. Deshoulières porcelain is unique: the masters painted it, inspired not only by European culture, but also by Eastern culture (an example of this is the famous Dhara Bleu collection). However, the masters did not forget about the classics. Many works of art were created under inspiration from famous museums and paintings.

Marie Antionette Style Limoge Box.
Marie Antionette Style Limoge Box.

With the growing popularity, counterfeits of original products have become more frequent, negatively affecting the image of the “porcelain capital of France” as a whole. Since 1962, by decision of the Limoges Arbitration Court, marking with a special mark was allowed only for products manufactured within the region. This provision acquired particular importance after the crisis of the 1980s, when part of the capacity was transferred to China, which negatively affected the quality of products.

In the 21st century, original Limoges porcelain from France has finally gained a foothold in the global premium segment. Only 12 enterprises have the right to mark their products with a green mark with a seven-pointed star and the inscription: “Limoges France”. Additionally, the stamp contains symbols identifying each factory. In 2008, Limoges was included in the Inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of France. And since 2017, his unsurpassed porcelain has received protected status according to its place of origin.

Limoges Porcelain Fish Set.
Limoges Porcelain Fish Set.
French Limoges Enamel Box.
French Limoges Enamel Box.
Porcelain Casket, Limoges, France.
Porcelain Casket, Limoges, France.
Limoges Porcelain Teapot, 1950s.
Limoges Porcelain Teapot, 1950s.
Floral Rich Blue Limoges Ceramic Coiffe Saucer, Limoges, France, 1800s.
Floral Rich Blue Limoges Ceramic Coiffe Saucer, Limoges, France, 1800s.
Limoges Enamel Vases.
Limoges Enamel Vases.
Pop Art Limoges French Porcelain Lipstick Miniature Trinket Box Rochard Signed.
Pop Art Limoges French Porcelain Lipstick Miniature Trinket Box Rochard Signed.
Antique French Limoges Porcelain Blue Cyan & Green Turkey Pattern Oyster Plate.
Antique French Limoges Porcelain Blue Cyan & Green Turkey Pattern Oyster Plate.
Limoges France Cobalt Blue Porcelain Desk Clock 22 Karat Gold.
Limoges France Cobalt Blue Porcelain Desk Clock 22 Karat Gold.