Limoges Porcelain - fascinating facts

Limoges is a city in France which is well known for enamels on copper, for Cognac oak barrels and for their particularly fine porcelain. This porcelain is widely collected and Limoges dinnerware and similar products are highly desirable. Those who are interested in porcelain probably know a certain amount about how it is made, and about its history, but it is always interesting to recap or to learn more.

Kaolin is a kind of clay mineral which gets its name from Koa-Ling, a location in Jingdezhen, China. It is mined around the world in countries such as China, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Korea, India and the Czech Republic, and in Europe in the United Kingdom, Germany and France. It is extremely useful in a number of applications, from toothpaste, medicines and foods, to coating for paper and ceramics. In order to make porcelain objects, kaolin is heated to very high temperatures in kilns. During this process, the heat leads to the formation of glass and mullite, leading to the strength, rigid shape and unique appearance of porcelain. Kaolin can be combined with quartz, alabaster, bone ash, glass and steatite in varying proportions to create different qualities. Some become confused as to what the difference is between the materials china and porcelain - the fact is that they are one and the same - the process used to create porcelain was first used in China, leading to the widespread colloquialism.

Like other porcelain products, Limoges dinnerware is ideal for serving food due to its properties. Porcelain is strong and its low permeability even before glazing means that is hygienic and easy to wash. In addition to plates, platters, cups and saucers, porcelain is often used to make dolls and other ornamental items, tiles and specific types can be used in dentistry to make crowns, caps, veneers and false teeth.

The city Limoges is the administrative capital of the Limousin region. It was founded by the Romans in approximately 10BC and was initially called Augustoritum, after the emperor Augustus. As the city continued to grow and to flourish, it became known as an artistic centre, especially due to the creation of the Abbey of St. Martial in the 9th century, as it had a fantastic library, and due to the music of the St. Martial School. Today the city's culture and stunning architecture, including the Gothic cathedral, attracts tourists from around the globe. Many of these visitors will be familiar with high quality Limoges dinnerware; in fact it is possible that they first heard of the city through these items.

Limoges porcelain was first produced in around 1768, when kaolin was discovered in nearby Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche. The ceramics industry that began provided new wealth for the town, and by the 19th century, Limoges dinnerware had gained a good reputation around the world. More than 50% of French porcelain is from Limoges, reflecting the area's success in this industry. Limoges dinnerware can be purchased from good quality retailers, and is usually available to purchase online, so everyone can enjoy these practical works of art.