Antique Haviland Limoges Plate, Schleiger 440 Pattern

Circa 1890-1910/Limoges, France

Haviland & Co. was established in Limoges, France, by American brothers David and Daniel Haviland in the mid-19th century, transforming the local porcelain industry with American distribution networks and innovative decorating techniques. The firm imported pure kaolin clay and employed skilled artisans to paint and gild fine tableware that captured the elegance of the Gilded Age. Their porcelain became a staple of fine dining tables across Europe and the United States, celebrated for its bright white body and intricate overglaze decorations.

Pattern numbering systems, such as those cataloged by Arlene Schleiger, became essential for identifying the thousands of distinct floral and gilt designs produced in Limoges factories. Schleiger 440 exemplifies the lavish use of heavy gold scrollwork combined with delicate hand-painted or decal floral sprays that defined turn-of-the-century luxury dinnerware. These pieces were often part of extensive custom-ordered sets commissioned by affluent households for formal entertaining.