Few names in the world of fine porcelain carry the timeless elegance and sophistication of Haviland, a brand synonymous with artistry, grace, and the finest craftsmanship.
Born from an American dream and nurtured in Limoges, France, Haviland porcelain has become a treasured name among collectors and enthusiasts. We explore the Haviland brand, its history, and our picks for the most collectible Haviland porcelain patterns.
Haviland Porcelain from New York to Limoges
Haviland porcelain dates back to the mid-19th century, when David Haviland, an American businessman from New York, fell in love with French porcelain. At the time, Limoges was emerging as the centre of porcelain production in France, thanks to the discovery of kaolin clay deposits in the region. This clay, essential for fine porcelain, provided a bright white and highly durable material that set Limoges porcelain apart from other ceramics. Drawn by the quality and beauty of Limoges porcelain, Haviland saw an opportunity to bring its elegance to the American market.
In 1842, David Haviland moved to Limoges, breaking new ground as one of the few Americans in the French porcelain industry. By establishing his own factory, he could oversee the entire process, from design to production, ensuring that each piece met the high standards he envisioned. This approach allowed Haviland to create unique patterns tailored to American tastes while preserving the artistry and craftsmanship characteristic of Limoges porcelain. His vision quickly paid off, and Haviland porcelain became highly popular among American families and collectors, solidifying its reputation for luxury and quality.
Haviland Patterns Through the Decades
Over the years, Haviland has introduced hundreds of designs, each reflecting the style and aesthetics of its time while maintaining the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and refinement. Early Haviland patterns often featured delicate floral motifs influenced by the Victorian era’s love of nature and romanticism. These patterns showcased intricate hand-painted flowers, soft pastel colours, and graceful details, making each piece feel like a work of art.
As the decades passed, Haviland adapted to changing trends, creating designs that captured the essence of Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and modern aesthetics. The early 20th century saw the introduction of bolder, more geometric patterns, reflecting the Art Deco movement’s fascination with symmetry and streamlined elegance. During this period, Haviland experimented with more vibrant colours and abstract forms, adding a new dimension to its traditional floral designs.
Top Haviland Porcelain Patterns
While the Haviland pattern catalog is extensive, we present our picks for some of the most iconic and collectible Haviland porcelain patterns:
Schleiger 86
One of the most iconic patterns is Schleiger 86, part of the extensive Schleiger series that emerged in the early 1900s. Known for its delicate pink flowers and green leaves, framed by a gold rim, Schleiger 86 became a staple for Haviland collectors and remains highly sought after.
Ranson
Dating back to the late 19th century, Ranson was designed as an embossed, undecorated pattern that allowed the quality of Haviland’s porcelain to shine without additional ornamentation. Its minimalist style made it a timeless classic, especially among those who appreciated simplicity and elegance.
Apple Blossom
This pattern became popular in the 1940s, following World War II. Apple Blossom reflects the mid-century shift towards softer, more modern designs while still maintaining a traditional floral element. Its soft pink blossoms against a clean white background bring a fresh, contemporary look to classic motifs.
Rosalinde
Introduced in the mid-20th century, likely during the 1950s, Rosalinde features delicate pink roses and soft green leaves. With its light, airy look, Rosalinde captures the charm and grace of floral motifs, a long-standing favourite among those who appreciate classic, understated elegance.
Blue Garland
Emerging in the 1960s, Blue Garland features graceful blue floral garlands with grey-green leaves set on Haviland’s signature white porcelain. Its soft, vintage appeal made it especially popular for weddings and formal gatherings, embodying a timeless beauty suited to traditional celebrations.
Vieux Paris (Old Paris)
Inspired by 19th-century French design, Vieux Paris (or Old Paris) is known for its intricate detailing and luxurious gold accents. This pattern reflects the opulence of antique French porcelain and appeals to collectors who seek a more historic and lavish look. Its enduring charm makes it a reminder of Parisian elegance from a bygone era.
Limoges Bird of Paradise
Celebrated for its exotic and colourful depiction of birds amid floral elements, the Bird of Paradise pattern captures a sense of whimsy and artistry. Likely introduced in the late 19th or early 20th century, it reflects the fascination with exoticism and decorative, nature-inspired motifs that were popular at the time. This vibrant pattern brings a unique liveliness to Haviland’s collection, with bold colours and intricate designs that make each piece feel like a miniature work of art.
Why Haviland Porcelain Patterns Endure
Today, Haviland patterns remain popular among collectors and admirers of fine porcelain. Each pattern reflects a specific period in art and design history and carries with it the story of Haviland’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. Because Haviland produced so many unique designs, each collection tells a personal story, reflecting the owner’s style, the period, and even family traditions.
What makes Haviland particularly enduring is the brand’s ability to balance tradition with innovation. While some patterns are classic and timeless, others reflect the bold experimentation of different design eras, making Haviland pieces adaptable for a variety of settings. This versatility has helped Haviland porcelain remain relevant across generations, whether it’s a cherished heirloom or a new addition to a collector’s cabinet.
Limoges Porcelain at Around the Block
At Around the Block, we’re proud to offer a superb collection of Limoges porcelain, including pieces by renowned brands like Haviland. Whether you’re drawn to Haviland’s delicate floral patterns, bold Art Deco influences, or timeless minimalist styles, our inventory offers something for every taste. Visit us in person or online to discover the elegance of Limoges porcelain and bring home a piece of French heritage that blends beauty and history seamlessly.
