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Limoges Identification

Limoges porcelain is named for French porcelain from the Limousin region. It was made plain white in Limousin and decorated elsewhere. Limoges can usually be identified by the maker's mark, but experienced collectors also recognize shapes and decorations unique to Limoges.

History
- The French porcelain industry started in the 18th century near the city of Limoges because of the nearby kaolin clay deposits. The Haviland Company made Limoges popular in the United States in the latter half of the 1800s.
Maker's Marks
- The easiest way to identify Limoges is by the maker's mark on the base, which will read, "Limoges France," "Haviland Limoges" or have another mark from one of nearly 50 companies. The decorator's mark may be harder to find, since it consists of overglaze paint that can wear off.
Victorian Porcelain Painting
- One way to identify Limoges (and some other European porcelain) is by the elaborate hand-painted decoration. These skilled artisans left decorator's marks, and, when present, they can add greatly to Limoges value.
Decorative Ceramics
- Experienced collectors are able to recognize unique Limoges ceramics (beyond dinnerware) by their distinctive shape and decoration. Limoges also produced boxes, ornaments, figurines and other objects.
Collecting
- Identifying Limoges requires extensive research into the many potteries and decoration studios. Beginning collectors will need a good reference guide for identification, such as, "The Decorative Art of Limoges Porcelain and Boxes."

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