Limoges porcelain china dates to 18th century France.  Kaolin clay was discovered in the Limoges region, and with that discovery, several small porcelain factories opened and produced hard-paste porcelain. Hard-paste porcelain is fired at high temperatures and the results are beautiful, satiny finish well suited for decoration.  

 

In 1781, King Louis  XIV purchased one of the factories to make china for his court, and that was really the catalyst for the growth of Limoges china throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.  Royals and aristocrats alike were taken by this fine china and it quickly became  very desirable.   In today's world, Limoges porcelain is still admired, collected and desired as a top option for fine china.

 

Antique fish sets came into vogue in the 18th century.  During the height of the British Empire, owning and using a fish set for that portion of the meal was considering a status symbol, signifying the appreciation for fine dining. These fish sets were highly and beautifully decorated with fish and marine life, painted by hand.