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Grand
Dezign is your #1 source for Authentic, French,
Hand-Painted Hinged Limoges Boxes imported directly from
Limoges, France. Grand Dezign
is one of the largest direct importers of exquisite French
Limoges boxes and offers an extensive selection of Limoges Boxes
for every occasion, taste and budget at exceptional
prices. All Limoges boxes presented in this website are in
stock and will ship the same day as purchase.
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You can select
Limoges boxes that are made in the Classic &Traditional Style
in the exact styles they were made in the early 1700s, or select from a
wide variety of other styles such
as Animals; Birds,
Butterflies and
Ladybugs, Cats,
Dogs,
Fish
& Sea, Turtles & Frogs, Wild, Exotic and Jungle
Animals, Pigs,
Horses,
Rabbits &
Mice, and Other
variety of Animals. You can also find Limoges Boxes made in the
shape of famous
Artist's Paintings and Literary Works in the
Art &
Literature section, Beach
& Tropical, Holiday Limoges boxes for Chanukah
(Hanukah), Christmas,
Valentine's
Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Teacher, Easter,
Thanksgiving and Special Occasions such as Birthday,
Wedding,
Graduation,
New Baby and
Children-related, Eggs,
Fashion
Accessories,
Film & Hollywood, Gardening, Flowers &
Plants,
Food and Beverages, Fruits and
Vegetables, Furniture and
Household,
Games and Gambling, Hearts,
Monuments and
Buildings, Music and Musical
Instruments, |
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| Mythical and Fairy Tale
Characters, Limoges Boxes with
Patriotic themes, Perfume
Boxes, Limoges boxes related to Professions
for a Nurse,
Doctor,
Dentist,
Lawyer,
Law
Student, Teacher
and many
more. You can also find
Limoges boxes related to Sewing,
Sports,
Travel and World, Monuments,
Vehicles and
Transport, Western
& The Old West and
Wine, Spirits and cigars. |
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We
offer a great selection of Current and Retired Artoria
Limoges boxes as well as retired Rochard
and Chanille,
Grand
Dezign is proud to offer the largest selection of the Retired and Rare
Walt Disney Limoges Boxes made by
Artoria
Limoges. These
Limited Edition Limoges boxes are now retired and extremely
RARE! At www.limogesboxcollector.com
you can find Walt Disney Limoges boxes from Walt Disney's Mickey
Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Cinderella, Snow White,
Pinocchio, 101 Dalmatians, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Winnie the Pooh,
Tigger & Fantasia.
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A Brief
History of Limoges and Artistry of Limoges Boxes: Although
today Limoges, France is most famous for its fine porcelain, the
art-related history of Limoges began with champleve enamel work in the
12th century, during which time boxes and other decorative items were
exquisitely crafted in intricate designs in enamel. This art form
in Limoges developed into painted enamel and later into painted
porcelain.
The
earliest examples of decorated porcelain were created in China in the
second century B.C. In 1520, finished porcelain products were
first imported to Europe and by 1712 the manufacturing process was begun
in Europe. But, due to the shortage of the key ingredient for fine
porcelain - "Kaolin" (white clay) - fine production of pure
white porcelain was not yet possible in the west.
In 1768, a
very large deposit of the finest Kaolin in Europe was discovered near
the town of Limoges, France. Limoges was an established trading and
manufacturing center in the region. The abundant forests provided
wood for the porcelain firing kilns and the Vienne river supplied
plentiful water and transportation. These key factors as well as
the availability of skilled local artisans, attracted designers and entrepreneurs
from throughout Europe who established their individual manufacturing
workshops "ateliers" in Limoges. Some of these ateliers
became world famous trademarks which are revered to this day.
Today, Limoges porcelain
boxes are manufactured in the same manner in small workshops and
ateliers in the Limoges region. To
the modern collector, Limoges boxes are enjoyed as beautiful objects of
exquisite craftsmanship. Originally, however, they were used as
snuffboxes, and considered almost an integral part of one's wardrobe, to
be carried in one's pocket like a fancy cigarette case. When
snuff-taking lost its popularity, the boxes lost their original
purpose. In the early twentieth century, they were commonly used as
pillboxes. They may still be used for such purposes. Today,
Limoges boxes are cherished by collectors for their fabulous detail,
creative designs and sophistication. The artistry of Limoges boxes
evoke the same type of popular interest today as when they were first
created in the 1700s.
Limoges
Insignia, Marks & Backstamps: The
authenticity of the Limoges box is in its backstamp markings. The
backstamps is normally found at the base or inside the Limoges
box. Limoges artisans use various styles in marking their Limoges
creations. Some inscribe the Limoges by hand at the base or
inside, where space allows. Others, use a form stamp which is
applied to the Limoges under the glaze.
The
designation "Limoges, France" on the backstamp is the
guarantee of the origin of manufacture. The words "Peint
Main" indicate that the Limoges box is painted by hand. Some
artists include their initials or name in the markings. If the
Limoges box is created in a limited edition, the number will also be
included in the backstamp.
Below
are some examples of Limoges insignia marks and backstamps by some of Limoges outstanding Limoges manufacturers.
The
key ingredients for fine Limoges porcelain are: Kaolin (the basic
white clay), feldspar (which is necessary for translucency) and quartz
(for hardness and durability). These ingredients are mixed with
water to make a soft paste and then sculpted or cast in molds.
When partially dried, the form is removed from the mold and fired at a
relatively low temperature to dry and partially harden. The Limoges
is then glazed and fired again at a temperature so high that the stone
particles actually become fused together and the surface coating dissolves
into a permanent bond. During the firing process, the objects shrink
about 15%, which is the reason for the slight variation in size and shape
of each piece. The porcelain is now ready to be hand-painted, which
is a lengthy and multi-level process. The artist applies the design
to the Limoges, one color at-a-time. The porcelain receives a firing
when each color is added and has to cool for hours before it receives the
next coat of paint. After the decoration and firing treatment of the
porcelain is completed, the boxes are ready to be hinged. The
hinging process is in itself an art and the multi-level process is
performed by expert craftsmen. The brass or copper mounting is cut
by hand, measured for size around each piece of porcelain, brazed in very
high temperature to form the exact shape of the piece. The hinges
are then placed on a ring (to retain their fitting order) and immersed
into acid for a few hours to develop a patina. The hinges are then
fitted by hand around the edge of each piece (exactly in order - as each piece has
a unique shape) for a perfect fit and the two sides of the box are
attached with a hinge. A decorative clasp is then brazed to the
front of the Limoges box. The exquisite work of art is now ready for
your enjoyment!
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