Limoges China vs. Limoges Porcelain: Is There a Difference?

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Limoges china is fine hard-paste porcelain made in and around Limoges, France. "Limoges china" and "Limoges porcelain" mean the same thing: in English, "china" is simply the everyday word for porcelain, because porcelain was first made in China. So when people say Limoges china, Limoges porcelain or simply "Limoges", they are talking about the same French porcelain.

What Is Limoges China?

Limoges is a city in west-central France that has been the center of French porcelain making since 1771. Porcelain began there after a large deposit of kaolin, the pure white clay needed for true hard-paste porcelain, was found nearby at Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche in 1768.

"Limoges" is not one company or brand. It is the name of the place. Many different factories and decorating studios have worked there, including well-known names such as Haviland, Bernardaud, Raynaud and Royal Limoges. Their pieces range from elegant dinner services and tea sets to vases, figurines and the small hinged trinket boxes collectors call Limoges boxes.

Is Limoges China Different from Limoges Porcelain?

No. You may read that "Limoges china" is a cheaper, mass-produced version and "Limoges porcelain" is the luxury version, but that is a myth. Both terms describe the same material from the same place.

What really changes the quality and value of a piece is:

• The maker: some Limoges factories made simple everyday tableware, others made the finest luxury services.
• The decoration: a piece painted by hand ("Peint Main") is usually worth more than one decorated with printed transfers.
• The age and rarity of the pattern or design.
• The condition: chips, cracks, repairs and worn gold lower the value a great deal.

Limoges China Is Not Bone China

There is one real difference worth knowing. Limoges china is hard-paste porcelain, made mainly from kaolin and feldspar and fired at very high temperature. That makes it very white, hard, and translucent when held up to the light. Bone china, invented in England, contains bone ash, which gives it a softer, creamier white. Limoges is not bone china. Read more in our guide to French porcelain versus bone china.

Watch Out for "Limoges" That Isn't from France

Because the name is so famous, "Limoges" has been borrowed by makers outside France:

• The Limoges China Company of Sebring, Ohio, made American dinnerware marked "Limoges China" in the first half of the 1900s. It is collectible, but it is American, not French.
• Some older pieces are marked with "Limoges" plus another country, such as Austria.
• Many modern imitations, often made in China, simply say "Limoges" with no maker's mark.

Authentic French pieces are usually marked "Limoges France", often together with a factory or decorator's mark. Our Limoges marks guide lists dozens of makers and what their marks look like.

How to Care for Limoges China

• Wash pieces with gold or platinum trim by hand in warm water with mild soap. Dishwashers and microwaves can damage metallic trim.
• Avoid abrasive pads and harsh cleaners, which scratch painted decoration.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as pouring boiling water into a cold cup.
• Store plates with soft separators between them, and don't hang cups by their handles.

Limoges China: Quick Answers

Is Limoges china valuable?

It can be. Value depends on the maker, the age, hand painting, rarity and condition. Complete antique services in perfect condition and fine hand-painted pieces bring the best prices.

Is Limoges china still made today?

Yes. Porcelain houses in and around Limoges still make dinnerware, giftware and hand-painted Limoges boxes.

How do you pronounce Limoges?

Say lee-MOHZH. "Limoge" without the "s" is a common misspelling.

Where can I buy Limoges china?

At Limoges Boutique we specialize in authentic hand-painted Limoges boxes from France, along with Limoges home décor pieces. To find a single cup or plate to complete an older dinner service, a replacement-china service is a good place to start.