Limoges ware

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Related Topics:: Haviland ware; hard porcelain

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Limoges ware, porcelain, largely servicewares, produced in Limoges, Fr., from the 18th century. Faience (tin-glazed earthenware) of mediocre quality was produced there after 1736, but the manufacture of hard-paste, or true, porcelain dates only from 1771. The manufacturers took advantage of being near Saint-Yrieix, the largest source of clay and china stone in France. In 1784 the factory was acquired as an adjunct of the Royal factory at Sèvres, and the decoration of the two wares were similar. Other factories opened after 1797, and Limoges became a mass exporter of porcelain to the U.S. under the name Haviland ware, which now is produced there as well.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.