Limoges enamel has been produced at Limoges, in south-western France, over several centuries up to the present. There are two periods when it was of European importance. From the 12th century to 1370 there was a large industry producing metal objects decorated in enamel using the champlevé technique, of which most of the survivals, and probably most of the original production, are religious objects such as reliquaries.
The martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket, champlevé, 1180s (detail)
Detail of grisaille painted plate with the Rape of Europa, Jean de Court, c. 1560; the full piece
Eucharistic dove in champlevé, early 13th-century
Limoges ciborium with champlevé enamel, and center rim in pseudo-Kufic script, circa 1200.
Limoges is a city and commune, and the prefecture of the Haute-Vienne department in west-central France. It was the administrative capital of the former Limousin region. Situated on the first western foothills of the Massif Central, Limoges is crossed by the river Vienne, of which it was originally the first ford crossing point.
Image: Centre ville et champ de Juillet
Image: Limoges Mairie
Image: Limoges st michel lions 2 (22378242672)
Image: Limoges cathedral gate st jean (21619267553)
