The region of manufacture is one of the key points of importance for an authentic French porcelain Limoges box.
Unlike many other collectibles that are made in various parts of the world, especially in the far east, authentic porcelain Limoges boxes must be crafted and hand-painted in the Limousine region of central France.
The French porcelain industry began in the Limoges region in the 1770s when kaolin (a main ingredient of porcelain) was first discovered in the area. Shortly after, numerous small factories and workshops opened up in the region producing the high quality and world-famous French porcelain. Some of those factories and workshops continue producing porcelain to this day.
Porcelain production in Limoges is one of the great points of pride in France. The city of Limoges has been named and revered as the “Porcelain capital of France.”
Of course, other countries (especially China) have attempted to copy this art form. However, the quality and craftsmanship of their products is so extremely inferior that there can be no comparison between French Limoges boxes and others.
The Art of Crafting Limoges Boxes
Crafting and hand-painting French Limoges boxes is an art form that has remained unchanged from its origins. The only modification that has occurred in time is the advent of electricity which is used to heat the kilns that fire the porcelain instead of the early wood or coal kilns.
Creating the porcelain, hand-painting and metalwork, the elements of producing a French Limoges box requires great artistry and expertise that is only acquired after many years of experience.
The Limoges porcelain factories of today only employ porcelain makers with expertise in this field. Producing the white porcelain is a very lengthy and labor-intensive process. Numerous artisans are involved in creating the porcelain paste exactly to the age-old specifications, in filling the molds one at a time, firing the white porcelain, glazing and firing again to achieve the desired pure white porcelain.
The porcelain painter artisans who create these miniature works of art must have many years of experience before they can attempt to produce porcelain pieces that can be offered for sale.
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Limoges Porcelain in 21st Century
The distinction of French Limoges boxes greatly increased worldwide in the second half of the 20th century. Numerous collectors in the United States became aware of these magnificent art pieces and began collecting them.
Collecting French Limoges boxes has become even more popular in the 21st century. As more and more people come to know about these distinctive and exquisite works of art, collecting Limoges boxes is becoming much more widespread.
The creation of new Limoges boxes in the Limoges region is, however, becoming much more limited in recent years. Sadly, due to economic reasons, several of Limoges’ porcelain manufacturers and workshops have closed. At the same time, several of the most experienced artisans who produced and painted the highest quality French Limoges boxes have retired after a lifetime of creating these works of art. So, this niche art form has become much more niche in recent years.
The shortage of expert artisans in Limoges combined with much greater demand worldwide for French Limoges boxes not only makes numerous styles of Limoges boxes hard to find but, increases the value of Limoges boxes much higher than ever before.
Purchasing Limoges Boxes From a Trusted Dealer
You can find Limoges boxes and other trinket boxes offered in many places online these days. However, judging the condition and quality of such pieces, not to mention authenticity, becomes quite a questionable matter.
In order to ensure that your purchase is an authentic and high quality French Limoges box, it is really important to purchase from a reputable dealer who guarantees that the Limoges box you are purchasing is imported directly from Limoges, France.
At LimogesCollector.com, we are proud to offer a very extensive selection of the finest quality French Limoges boxes in every style and theme and for every occasion. Because of our relationship with all of the very best Limoges producers and porcelain artisans in Limoges, France, we are able to import directly a fantastic array of unique and outstanding Limoges boxes from its source. Our website offers Limoges boxes from all of the top current Limoges brands such as Beauchamp, Rochard and Artoria. Our collection also offers a significant array of retired and out-of-production Limoges boxes that are in great demand, as well as many rare and one-of-a-kind Limoges boxes.
So, if you are looking to add new pieces to your Limoges collection or to purchase an outstanding and impressive gift, you can be sure you will find the very best at LimogesCollector.com.
Now, take a moment to browse our selection of fine French Limoges boxes to see which pieces grab your attention. We are sure you will find many that you will want to make your own.
