♦ Is Limoges always marked?
♦ Are French porcelain Limoges boxes always marked?
♦ Is a mark necessary to authenticate a Limoges box?
♦ What markings are included in an authentic French porcelain Limoges box?Find answers to these questions and more below.
Is A French Porcelain Limoges Box Always Marked? Unraveling the Mystery!
Ah, the quest for that perfect Limoges box! Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, knowing the ins and outs of these exquisite French porcelain treasures is crucial. Isn't the thrill of the hunt just as exciting as finding that unique piece? Let's dive into the fascinating world of Limoges boxes and discover the significance of those elusive markings.
The Significance of Markings on Limoges Boxes
Ever wondered why that tiny marking on the bottom of a Limoges box is such a big deal? It's not just a stamp; it's the storyline of its heritage, screaming authenticity and high craftsmanship. Think of it as a secret handshake among collectors!
Understanding Limoges Box Markings
Limoges boxes, originating from the Limousin region in France, are famous for their intricate designs and quality. Authentic pieces must bear a mark — "Limoges, France" as guaranteeing the region of manufacture, "Peint Main" if the piece is hand-painted, and sometimes the maker’s mark. This could range from a simple stamp to a more elaborate hand-painted insignia. These markings are your first clue in unraveling the box’s legitimacy and lineage.
Limoges Porcelain does not come from a single factory or maker but instead comes from the area around Limoges France. This means that while Limoges is always marked, the marks differ depending on the factory or workshop where they were made and the artists that have painted them.
Generally any Genuine item of Limoges porcelain will carry the insignia “Peint Main” or Peint à la Main” which means the item is hand-painted, as well as including “Limoges France” showing that the piece was indeed made in the area surrounding the city of Limoges. Many will also carry the factory insignia and/or brand insignia as well as the initials of the studio or artist.
Markings on a Porcelain Limoges Box
To be considered authentic, every porcelain Limoges box must be marked. As noted above, the markings on a Limoges box differ depending on the factory, workshop or the artist who painted it.
The markings on a Limoges box are usually found at the base of the Limoges or inside the box. Other than the absolutely essential "Peint Main, Limoges France" markings that authenticate a French Limoges box (which can be hand-written or stamped onto the Limoges), the insignia can include the name of the Limoges importer, the stamp of the factory, the initials of the artist or the limited eidtion number.
The marking stamp or the hand-written insignia or artist initials are always added before the final glazing of the porcelain. This final glazing and firing will make the insignia of the Limoges indelible.
A few examples of Limoges box insignia
A Brief History of Limoges Porcelain
Limoges quickly became a famous area for porcelain production when Kaolin clay was found in the area in 1771, enabling the French to make hard-paste porcelain that was comparable to the porcelain being made in China. Prior to this point porcelain made in France was predominantly soft-paste porcelain, made with different minerals and fired at lower temperatures.
The first factory to be set up in Limoges was bought by the King of France, King Louis the 16th, commissioning this hard, lustrous, white porcelain to be decorated at the Royal porcelain factory just outside Paris. Thus some of the first Limoges porcelain had the royal crest rather than being marked as Limoges.
Soon other private factories were set up in Limoges and it wasn’t long before Limoges overtook Paris as the center of private porcelain production in France. Limoges porcelain was particularly popular with the French aristocracy
In 1841 a law was passed stating that all Limoges porcelain must be stamped to say that it was made in Limoges, France. This mark was often alongside a factory mark showing where the piece was made. The studio where the piece was decorated or the individual artist may also have marked the piece.
Prior to this date, not all Limoges would have been marked. Thus it may be possible to have genuine Limoges porcelain that does not carry the Limoges France insignia. Early Limoges may therefore be identified by other markings, or by the quality of the porcelain which was rare at the time. Plus as mentioned above, some of the earliest pieces of porcelain made in Limoges were taken elsewhere to be painted and given the royal mark, and have many uses.
Limoges Blanks
When looking at and understanding Limoges markings it is also worth noting that many blanks, undecorated pieces, were sent to other factories or studios within the Limoges region. Painting these blanks was a popular hobby in Europe and America as well as a thriving cottage industry.
This means that many items of Limoges Porcelain, although made in Limoges, were decorated elsewhere and by various artists. This explains why there can be a huge range in the quality of the decoration of various Limoges boxes. Items hand-painted by hobbyists could be exquisite or they could be somewhat lacking in finesse.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all French porcelain Limoges boxes must have the mark or insignia of the factory, workshop and/or the artist who painted the piece in order to be considered authentic. These markings must be under the glaze and not removable. Even though all Limoges boxes are made in limited editions, many Limoges boxes may or may not include the limited edition number in the insignia.
About LimogesCollector.com
LimogesCollector.com, offers a wide variety of high-quality French Limoges boxes crafted by expert artisans in Limoges, France. We specialize in importing directly from the top producers in Limoges and are authorized dealers of various top Limoges brands. Our collection is constantly updated with the latest creations as well as retired and rare Limoges boxes. With over 5,000 styles available, you can easily find Limoges boxes related to any subject or interest. Our vast collection also offers a multitude of Limoges box gift options for any occasion or recipient.
Our website also offers a personalization service which makes your Limoges purchase much more meaningful for any occasion. You can also choose our professional giftwrap service for a beautifully presentable gift for any occasion.
So, take a little time to check out our website and find the pieces that spark your interest and that you'd love to add to your collection.
