In the world of decorative collectibles, Limoges Baltimore Rose china has always held a special place. Bright glazes, scalloped edges, and delicate floral designs characterize what collectors want on their china shelves. Whether it’s a cup and saucer, a graceful pitcher, or a handsome serving plate, experts know that the finest and most collectible china out there is from Limoges, in France.
limoges baltimore rose
Limoges is not a brand or a company; it’s a geographical region where distinctive hard-paste porcelain has been made since the eighteenth century. Only a few brands are authorized to use the name “Limoges” on their products, so this is definitely a connoisseur’s choice. There’s more to Limoges than plates and serving-ware; dresser sets, popular again with lovers of everything vintage, decorative plaques and tiles, and trays claim attention as well. These pieces win praise for their durability and consistent quality, as well as for their beauty on the table or in the cabinet.
In the long history of Limoges china, several patterns have emerged as particularly popular, with cherished pieces being handed down over the generations. Among these, none is better known than the exquisite “Baltimore Rose.” On a white plate with a gold-tone scalloped edge, a spray of fresh pink roses seems to lie as if just picked. The characteristic pattern includes three roses grouped together at the bottom; a long stem that leads to two more roses; and a faintly painted, short stem that culminates in a single rose. In this way the eye travels up the plate in a natural way; these are not patterns that scream, “Look at me.”
Wise collectors know, of course, that Limoges will hold its value long after the loud, contemporary designs fall out of fashion. They know, too, that the best meals are served on plates that enhance the food, rather than drown it out.
Interestingly, no one knows exactly where the name “Baltimore Rose” comes from. Limoges manufacturers typically do not give names or designations to their products. Most people, therefore, believe that a dealer or collector (perhaps based in Baltimore?) came up with a name that stuck. Porcelain authority Arlene Schleigel, who has catalogued every variety of Limoges, gives this pattern the number of 1151.
Whether you call it by name or by number, Baltimore Rose Limoges china has many varieties for the collector. For example, the roses do not have to be all pink; they may be pink and white, or pink and yellow. Examples of this pattern on “blank” plates (without the gold border) are valuable as well, and when gold trim occurs, the patterns may vary.
What defines Baltimore Rose is the arresting placement of the roses themselves. There are many imitations out there, replete with gold-faced scalloped edges and raised dots on the white surface, but make sure the pattern shows six flowers, grouped as described above in a three-two-one sequence from bottom to top, and the stems arch and droop in the prescribed way, to be sure its a genuine Limoges.
Few things define a homeowner’s standard of living better than fine china in a tasteful display. Whether it’s used once a year, twice a year, or kept boxed for a future generation, Limoges Baltimore Rose china is a smart investment in beauty, history, and durability.
