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Articles
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Read Informative Articles Published About Our Limoges Boxes
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Welcome
to LimogesBoxCollector.com's ARTICLES Page, where you
can read informative and interesting articles published in
several collectibles news magazines and websites about the
exquisite Limoges boxes offered by
LimogesBoxCollector.com.
Also, read LimogesBoxCollector.com's published Press Releases for news and special
events.
Why Now is the Best Time to Collect French Limoges Boxes
Important Factors to Remember When Purchasing French Limoges Boxes
Why French Limoges Boxes are So Collectible
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Why Now is the Best Time to Collect French Limoges Boxes
By: Vivianne Smith ~ Published August 26, 2010
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Limoges
boxes have been cherished and collected since they were first created in the
1700s. The 21st century has
truly raised the bar on quality and artistry of these beautiful works of
art. Today, collectors can purchase
pieces that far surpass the quality of those offered in the past decades.
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Limoges boxes are the symbol of French artistry and elegance at a miniature level.
These fine white porcelain boxes with their
magnificent hand-painting and metal work have long been sought after by
collectors worldwide.
The history
of Limoges boxes
goes back to the time of Louis XVI, when the king’s finance minister, by a Royal
edict, appointed the city of Limoges to be the exclusive producer of Royal
Porcelain for the Kingdom of France.
It is said that the first patron of porcelain boxes was the Marquis of Pompadour
who presented his Lady’s companions each with a gift of a Limoges box.
Such presents were offered as long, narrow boxes to hold the ladies expensive needles,
shapes to hold thimbles or embroidery scissors or round Limoges boxes to hold a ring, powder or snuff.
Ladies and gentlemen of that era also used small Limoges boxes to exchange love notes!
Collecting Limoges boxes became the
symbol of the highest distinction and fashion when Napoleon’s wife, Empress
Josephine, showed great interest and began a collection of her own.
Soon, Limoges boxes were sought after and collected by royalties all over Europe.
Today, Limoges boxes are made in
numerous styles and shapes and are cherished and collected worldwide.
Each box can symbolize and celebrate special
and memorable times or events of our lives such as Birthdays, New Baby
,
Christmas
and other holidays, Graduation
, beloved Animals
, etc.
There is a Limoges box made for any and all
occasions or subjects!
Collecting Limoges boxes became
even more popular in the 80s and 90s.
With that great popularity, many artists in Limoges could not keep up
with the demand and had to utilize the help of students and less experienced
painters to do some pieces. As a result,
some Limoges boxes made in that era are of lesser quality than those painted by
the master artists.
One may think that the economic
state of our times would have had a negative effect on the quality or
availability of these time-honored collectibles. However, happily, the reverse is true.
In the past few years, due to the financial
hardships experienced worldwide, many of the artists have had to downsize and
some have even closed shop.
The only ones remaining are those whose work has stood the test of time.
As a result, many of the Limoges boxes
produced today are of much higher quality and painted by artists whose level of
artistry surpasses those of the previous decades.
One great example of such level of
superior artistry is the collection offered by Beauchamp Limoges.
Beauchamp Limoges
produces the highest
quality Limoges boxes and commissions the very best and most talented artisans
in the Limoges region.
The company offers a wide selection of styles of Limoges boxes for every occasion and
taste. The Beauchamp Limoges Collection
is offered by LimogesBoxCollector.com,
its exclusive US distributor and retailer.
Collectors who value quality and
excellence can find a very large selection of Limoges boxes in numerous styles
at www.LimogesBoxCollector.com
offered at the most competitive prices.
New and original designs by Beauchamp Limoges are continually added to
enhance any collection.
LimogesBoxCollector.com
is one of the largest direct importers of French Limoges boxes
in the US. To view
an extensive selection of Limoges boxes, including numerous
exclusive pieces, please visit
www.limogesboxcollector.com.
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Important Factors to Remember When Purchasing
French Limoges Boxes
By: Vivianne Smith ~ Published October 24, 2009
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Collectible
French Limoges boxes come in a wide variety of shapes and
themes. Collectors
always enjoy obtaining new pieces to enhance their collection.
Having a trustworthy source is very important to ensure
quality and authenticity.
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For
those who love, appreciate and collect French Limoges Boxes
,
authenticity and artistry matter immensely. Limoges Box
collectors always look for new styles and
designs. In recent times, fake trinket boxes are found
everywhere so Limoges collectors have to ensure that the
porcelain boxes they are purchasing are authentic and have
been entirely produced in Limoges, France.
Below are a few factors that can help when making a decision
to purchase.
Surface decoration.
Some
Limoges boxes may have transfers or decals used instead of
painting.
Some
may have a combination of decals and highlighting stroke work. These
boxes usually are marked “Rehausse Main”
meaning “enhanced by hand”. Limoges boxes that are entirely hand-painted
bear the
designation “Peint Main”, which means “hand-painted”.
Backstamp and Mark.
All
authentic Limoges boxes are either signed by hand or bear the
insignia of the manufacturing artist. The mark should include the designation
“Limoges,
France” as guarantee of the
origin of manufacture as well as “Peint Main” meaning
“painted by hand”. Some
artists include their initials or name as well as the brand
mark of the manufacturer. All backstamps must be under the glaze and
irremovable.
Workmanship. Another
very important factor is the quality of
hand-painting. Limoges
artists have access to a selection of blank boxes from general
moulds. You may
find the same model Limoges box made by various artists, from
amateur to master artists. Of course, the quality of workmanship is vastly
different. To the
avid collector, the artistry and detail of the painting is of
great importance.
Detail.
When selecting
a Limoges box
, pay attention to the
detail in painting and the number of colors used. When painting the box, the
artist has to use one color
at a time. The box
receives a firing between each coloring. Therefore, more colors, means much
greater time and
effort has gone into painting the Limoges box.
Uniqueness.
Some Limoges
manufacturers offer exclusive shapes and
models. These
pieces are very desirable as they are made in limited numbers.
Condition. A new Limoges box must be in excellent condition.
If purchasing a retired piece or an antique box, always
check for its condition. Make
sure the piece is without chips, cracks, paint loss or broken
hinges.
Source.
Finally It is a very important to purchase from a
reputable dealer who is knowledgeable about French Limoges and
offers a great selection.
Ultimately,
the most important criteria is that you find the Limoges box
beautiful and appealing. If
so, you will enjoy the piece for all time.
LimogesBoxCollector.com
is one of the largest direct importers of French Limoges boxes
in the US. To view
an extensive selection of Limoges boxes, including numerous
exclusive pieces, please visit
www.limogesboxcollector.com.
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Why French Limoges Boxes Are So Collectible
By: Vivianne Smith ~ Published January 25, 2009
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Exquisite
French Limoges Boxes
were originally used as snuff or pill
boxes. Today, the beauty and diversity of themes of these
little porcelain boxes have captured the hearts of collectors
worldwide. The artistry of Limoges is alive and well.
If you have had the privilege of witnessing the manufacture of
French Limoges boxes from start to finish, your admiration for
these true works of art would increase a thousand fold!
Limoges, France is world-famous for its porcelain. Limoges
boxes, small trinket or pill boxes, have been meticulously
crafted in the Limousine region of central France since the
1700s. Today, very few select craftsmen are left in Limoges
who still create these labor-intensive art pieces exactly in
the same manner as in the 1700s.
A Limoges box
is made in two or more parts. Each part is made in a separate
mold. After allowing it time to set, the pieces are removed
from the mold, are hand-sponged to smooth and remove any extra
particles. The pieces are then fired in a special kiln. During
this firing, each piece may shrink about 15%. The shrinkage
causes each piece to take on a slightly variant shape from any
other from the same mold. After the pieces cool, they are
glazed and fired in the kiln again at a very high temperature.
Now the pieces are ready to receive artwork. Each piece
is exquisitely hand-painted by a Limoges artist, one color
at-a-time! With each additional color, the Limoges receives another
round of firing (3-4 or even up to 7-8 firings).
Among
numerous colors used, some boxes are decorated with 24K gold
and/or chrome, which gives the Limoges box a beautiful gold or
silver shine. Once the Limoges box parts have been fully
painted and have gone through several rounds of firings in the
kiln, they are ready to be hinged. The hinging process is an
art form in itself and is performed by highly skilled
craftsmen. As each piece is unique, the brass hinge has to be
individually cut and fitted to it. Once the hinges are fitted
and braised, they are then submerged in acid for a few hours
to develop an antiqued patina. They are then adhered to each
piece of porcelain by hand. A decorative clasp is also added
and the Limoges box is ready to be admired and cherished by a
collector!
Limoges boxes
are made in a vast variety of styles and themes for
every taste and area of interest. As well as being beautifully
hand-painted on the outside, some have a painting inside the
box. Other Limoges boxes come with a tiny accessory piece
inside. Many Limoges boxes are only made in limited editions
and bear the numbers at the base. However, many artists have
produced only a few of each piece. Limoges boxes can cost
between $75 to $500 or more, depending on the shape, color
diversity and artistic efforts expended on the piece.
For more
information about Limoges boxes and to view an extensive
selection of Limoges boxes, please visit
www.LimogesBoxCollector.com.
You
can find an extensive selection of exquisite Limoges boxes
made by the most artistic Limoges artisans at
www.LimogesBoxCollector.com.
Grand Dezign is a direct importer of Limoges boxes, working
with the most artistic ateliers and manufacturing workshops in
Limoges. Grand Dezign also offers a large selection of
retired and rare pieces, especially the highly sought-after,
retired Walt Disney Limoges collection made by Artoria Limoges. |
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About the Author:
Vivianne
Smith is an author, collector and appraiser with expertise in
porcelain and fine china collectibles. Her
travels to Europe and visiting many manufacturers' factories
and workshops has provided her with a wealth of information
regarding these works of art.
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Feel free to browse our fantastic selection of
Limoges
Boxes.
You will find many hard-to-resist pieces!
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