Always lovely - whether at holiday dinners or every-day family meals - the gracious charm of American Limoges dinnerware. (from a 1948 newspaper advertisement featuring the June Rose pattern)

{HISTORY}

Debuting in the late 1940s, this vintage covered sugar bowl with its pretty floral pattern, fluted shape, and cute little horizontal handles was made by American Limoges for their June Rose pattern.  Manufactured during a sweet spot in A.L. history when they were opening retail stores around the country, this boom to their business would only last a few years before they stopped production and closed their doors permanently. That makes this pattern one of the last examples of American Limoges' beautiful designs aimed at mirroring European porcelain manufactured in Limoges, France. 

Containing a gorgeous area of airy, summery shades that include ice pink, celadon green, pale teal blue and buttery yellow with hints of mustard, raspberry, and pine, it offers a decorator's playground when it comes to mixing and matching tableware, linens and floral centerpieces to compliment the color palette. 

American Limoges knew a thing or two about artistic displays. Teir muse was always the beautiful porcelain designs found on French Limoges dishware. Founded in 1900 in Sebring, Ohio, American Limoges was originally known as the Limoges China Company.  They specialized in thin-walled china for the American market with a belief that American porcelain-style dishware could be just as attractive as the French equivalent. 

But when a fire broke out and destroyed everything the pottery had built, including formulas and designs, they changed gears and started making more durable earthenware dishes with similar delicate designs often found in porcelain patterns.

Again, the Limoges China Company had something to prove. This time, it was that American earthenware was just as superior as esteemed English earthenware.  Beautifully designed and successful in distribution, the Limoges Company (of America) was bustling by the 1930s. Creating not only artistic designs full of elegant patterns and beautiful color palettes, they were also at the forefront of innovation when it came to manufacturing processes within the pottery plant.  

After the French Limoge pottery in France caught wind of the great success, the designs, and the similar name, The Limoges China Company had to change names in order to avoid a lawsuit. Again they evolved and became the American Limoges Company which was a name change sufficient enough to calm everyone down in the industry. By the 1950s, unfortunately, this company pivot was not as successful as the last. The American Limoges Company went bankrupt and closed its doors in 1955.

Fortunately for us, their pretty creations are still circulating among the vintage dish world as ambassadors of history and art appreciation from one country to another. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• June Rose Pattern for American Limoges
• Hard to find piece in pattern
• Unmarked on bottom
• Two piece set includes body and removable lid

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, this sugar jar contains no chips, cracks, spots or staining. Delicate, light crazing adds a lovely layer of aged patina. The floral bouquets are crisp and clear and the interior and exterior are clean and bright. 

{SIZE}

Measures 4" inches (height from base to top of lid knob) x 5" inches width (handle to handle) and weighs 11 oz.