Decorative Limoges porcelain boxes are generally small in size and so have a limited capacity when it comes to storage. However they are not purely decorative and can be used in a number of ways. Interestingly their most popular uses have changed over time as fashions and tastes have changed. And yet the boxes themselves have lost none of their appeal.
Ways Limoges Boxes Can Be Used
Outlined below are a number of possible uses for Limoges trinket boxes. Including being used to store trinkets.
To Protect Needles and Other Valuable Items
It is said that the first porcelain hinged boxes to be made in Limoges were actually designed to protect valuable sewing needles. These long thin boxes were then redesigned to hold other items such as sewing scissors or thimbles.
To Carry Snuff
Although the original Limoges boxes may have first been crafted to hold expensive sewing needles, their most popular early use was to carry snuff. Snuff boxes were popular before decorative boxes started to be made in Limoges.
Snuff was in vogue in the 18th and 19th centuries and was popular with both ladies and gentlemen meaning there was a large market for snuff boxes. They would be carried around much like a fancy cigarette case and were something of a fashion accessory. To see how the early Limoges boxes were popular with royalty, see Limoges Boxes Historically Collected by European Royalty.
As Pill Boxes
When snuff went out of fashion there was a significant decline in the market for and therefore production of Limoges boxes. However, these decorative boxes made a come back as pill boxes.
Decorative porcelain pill boxes were popular in the late 19th century and many ladies would carry them in their purses as well as having decorative pill boxes to keep their tablets in at home. This meant that once again they were fashion accessories as much as anything else.
To Hold A Lock of Hair Or A Love Poem
Because of the level of craftsmanship and the intricacy of the designs, French Limoges boxes became popular as gifts between lovers. They might be given to signify a memorable occasion or to keep a love note, lock of hair or other trinkets.
To Keep A First Tooth
In a similar vein to the above use, Limoges porcelain trinket boxes are the perfect size to keep a first tooth or first curl. This would make a wonderful gift to a new parent or a great gift as a godparent that wants to give something that will be kept and retain it’s value as an alternative christening gift.
As Small Jewelry Boxes
Although not generally very large in size, Limoges porcelain trinket boxes are the perfect place to store small items of jewelry such as rings or pendants. Vintage hinged boxes come in a huge variety of styles so there will always be the perfect box that seems as if it is made to measure for whatever it is you want to keep inside.
As Decorative Collectors Items
Finally many collectors today keep these exquisit limoges boxes purely as decorative items. The range of designs and the quality of the artistry mean that any collection of Limoges boxes makes for a fabulous display.
