Henri d’Arceau Limoges collector plates—often simply called d’Arceau Limoges—are highly collectible porcelain art plates made in Limoges, France. These plates are prized for their exceptional craftsmanship, rich colors, and intricate hand-painted or transfer-decorated scenes. Here’s a breakdown of their significance:
⭐️ Overview of Henri d’Arceau Limoges Plates:
1. Brand Origin:
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Made by Arceau-Limoges, a company in Limoges, France, long known for producing fine porcelain.
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Named after Henri d’Arceau, who helped found or popularize this brand of collector plates in the mid-20th century.
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Part of the Limoges porcelain tradition, dating back to the 18th century.
2. Collector Plate Characteristics:
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Usually limited edition.
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Fine white porcelain, often with a gold rim or border.
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Richly decorated with narrative scenes: French history, romantic stories, fairy tales, or classical literature.
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Comes with a certificate of authenticity and sometimes a presentation box.
3. Notable Series:
Some of the most famous d’Arceau Limoges series include:
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“The Ladies of the Century” (Les Dames du Siècle): Beautiful women dressed in the fashion of each century from the 11th to the 20th.
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“Romance of the French Provinces”
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“Les Grandes Heures de France”: Key moments in French history.
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“Hommage aux Dames du Temps Jadis”: Tribute to women from times past.
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“Les Amours de Psyche”: Based on the myth of Cupid and Psyche.
4. Artist Signatures:
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Plates are often signed by the artist (e.g., Jean-Pierre, Bussière, or Ardail).
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The name may appear on the front, and full credits or titles on the reverse.
💰 Value & Collectibility:
Market value depends on:
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Rarity (limited edition number).
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Condition (mint, with COA and box = best).
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Popularity of the series.
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Presence of the original certificate and box.
Most plates sell between $15 and $75, though rare or complete series can fetch more. They’re popular among vintage collectors, especially those who love French decor or romantic imagery.
🛍 Selling or Collecting Tips:
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Keep documentation: COA and original boxes enhance value.
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Display carefully: Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
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Group by series: Selling complete or near-complete series increases value.
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List keywords: Include “d’Arceau Limoges,” “France,” artist name, plate title, and edition number when selling online.