Many boxes labeled "Limoges" are mass-produced in China, made from inferior materials and painted by machines. Authentic Limoges boxes, however, are crafted and hand-painted by skilled artisans in Limoges, France—the birthplace of this centuries-old tradition. True Limoges boxes are made from high-quality porcelain and adorned with intricate hand-painted details. To be considered genuine, these boxes must originate from the Limoges region, following stringent production standards.
Limoges boxes are magnificent miniature objects of art. They are highly sought after and are admired and collected worldwide.
In order to be authentic, Limoges boxes must be crafted and hand-painted entirely in the Limoges region of central France.
Today, there are similar trinket boxes made in China or other countries. However, they are considered counterfeits and fakes. The quality of such trinket boxes is very inferior to genuine French Limoges boxes and they hold none or very little monetary value.
In the second part of the 20th century, some artists and porcelain enthusiasts in the US imported the white porcelain to paint in the United States. However, such pieces are not considered genuine Limoges and can only have sentimental value for the painter.
The authenticity of a French peint main Limoges box is of utmost importance to collectors and gift shoppers when purchasing a Limoges box. There are various markings and back-stamps that authenticate a French Limoges box. The main important authentication marking is “Peint Main, Limoges France” which can be found at the base or inside a Limoges box. Some Limoges manufacturers place a stamp marking and others hand-write the insignia.
A few examples of French Limoges signatures
There are various markings such as “Limoges China” and “Made in Limoges” that are a clear sign of a counterfeit trinket box.
For those of you who want to purchase a genuine French Limoges box, it is highly recommended to make your purchase from a trusted Limoges dealer and importer who can expertly authenticate your Limoges purchase.
Chinese Porcelain
The Chinese were the first to produce hand-painted objects in the 2nd century B.C. During the 1500s, Chinese decorated porcelain products began to be imported into Europe and was greatly admired by the Europeans. You can find many ancient Chinese porcelain art pieces in various European chateaux and palaces today.
With great effort by the Europeans to find the secret to creating the pure white porcelain, the Limoges porcelain industry began in Limoges in the late 1700s after deposits of kaolin were first discovered in the Limousine region of France.
As crafting the white porcelain and hand-painting these miniature art pieces is such a lengthy and labor-intensive process and needs great expertise, the only level of society who could initially afford such luxury objects was the European royalty. See Limoges Boxes Historically Collected By European Royalty.
In the early 18th century, Limoges boxes became extremely popular among the higher classes of society in Europe and even became a part of the ladies and gentlemen’s attire. Limoges boxes were used as snuff boxes, which was very popular among both men and women in the 18th century.
As snuff-taking lost its allure, French Limoges boxes found a new purpose for collectors. They became the perfect instrument to hold tiny valuable objects such as needles, baby teeth, hair lockets, a pill box, or even to hold small pieces of jewelry.
In the 20th century, Limoges boxes found a new market in the United States. Collecting Limoges boxes became very popular and continue to grow in popularity and thrive in the US today.
Even though Limoges boxes could be used to hold various objects, they are mainly collected and admired for their artistic beauty and worth.
The Limoges porcelain industry and especially crafting and hand-painting of Limoges boxes is performed by a small and select group of artisans in Limoges, France with decades of experience and expertise. For this reason as well as the fact that crafting a Limoges box is highly labor-intensive, gives each Limoges creation a high value.
The art of porcelain manufacturing and porcelain painting remains the same as it was in the 1800s. This time-honored craft is highly esteemed in France.
At LimogesCollector.com, we are proud to offer an extensive selection of fine French porcelain Limoges boxes, imported directly from factories and workshops in Limoges. Each Limoges box creation we offer is crafted and hand-painted individually by master artisans in Limoges France.
Take a moment and browse our selection of over 5,000 Limoges boxes in various themes. You are sure to find many pieces you will love to add to your collection. Limoges boxes make worthy and memorable gifts as well. So next time you want to give a gift that will impress, be sure to consider a Limoges box from LimogesCollector.com.
