Limoges porcelain

Limoges Porcelain Box: Limoges Porcelain boxes were produced in large numbers during the eighteenth century when there was high demand for such boxes. The popularity of Limoges Porcelain boxes continued until the late nineteenth century and these tiny boxes were widely used for storing just about everything from pills and beauty patches to snuff and secret notes. These tiny detailed boxes were easy to carry around and there were no other types of containers used in those days. However, the popularity remained confined to France alone, as they were not exported to other places. Charles Martine began importing porcelain around 1960’s making it popular in United States as well.

Limoges Porcelain from France: Most people confuse Limoges as the name of a company, whereas it is actually the name of a city in France. A large number of factories in France produced Limoges porcelain and from mid nineteenth century and authentic Limoges porcelain from France is essentially made of Limoges kaolin porcelain. Another indicator of the authenticity of Limoges porcelain from France is a back stamp that says “Limoges France”. Limoges boxes were stamped this way after a law was enforced in the year 1841 necessitating manufacturers to stamp their Limoges boxes. The price of Limoges porcelain may greatly vary depending on number of factors such as the quality of painting, degree of detail, complexity of designs, and colors used. Usually, all hand painted Limoges boxes are expensive and a favorite among collectors. However, other Limoges boxes that are tastefully decorated by transfers or decal process are also in great demand.

Limoges Porcelain History: The Venetians and Portuguese were the first Europeans who brought the art of porcelain making to Europe. Kaolin, a white clay that is a silicate of aluminum, is the main ingredient required for making porcelain and is readily found in Germany, China and Limoges in France. For quite some time, Europeans thought that this ingredient is not available in its natural form and hence used a fake substitute for kaolin. It was a soft substance and more like glass and was used for porcelain making until kaolin was discovered in Germany in the early 17th century. Thus, the secret to oriental porcelain was finally disclosed to Europeans and Kaolin was finally discovered in Limoges France around the mid eighteenth century. The first porcelain Limoges box factory was soon established, which was then bought by Louis XVI. Limoges box production began on a larger scale and undecorated pieces known as “blanks” were taken all the way to Sevres for hand painting and decoration. Limoges porcelain dinnerware and boxes were highly popular as gift items in those days.

Limoges Porcelain Vase: Hand painted Limoges porcelain vases designed by French artists make excellent gifts. The timeless elegance of Limoges porcelain vases and figurines will surely make them a gift to cherish forever. Limoges porcelain vases made in vibrant colors and elaborately designed usually come at a higher price however a lot depends on the brand. Factories and studios usually mark their porcelains in order to authenticate them. Although there are very few reproductions in the market, make sure that you check the manufacturer’s mark at the bottom of the vase.