Since the 18 th century, when the first porcelain was produced, the reputation of Limoges porcelain has grown so much that the name of the city instantly evokes the art of porcelain.
Before this date, the history of European ceramics can be seen as a long period of research undertaken by the whole of Europe to penetrate the secrets of porcelain manufacture, discovered in China in the 6 th century.
The fascination that came with it was mostly due to the mystery. For a long time it seemed so miraculous, how through the alchemy of fire, clay could turn into a white, translucent, shiny and melodic material.
Although the Europeans were already experts in some ceramic arts, such as glass or faience glazed earthenware , they were missing an essential material, kaolin, which is what gives porcelain its whiteness, durability and translucency. In the 18 th century, usable mines were finally found in Europe : in in Germany, then in in France, at Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, near Limoges.
This discovery was the trigger for the development of Limoges porcelain. The production made use of the decorations commonly used for soft-paste porcelain during preceding years: patterns consisting of small bouquets of flowers. Gold lace thread was often used, frequently accompanied by a plain blue thread. The manufactory produced simple items, in small quantities.
