Limoges Porcelain: Boxes, Vases And Antique Collections

Antique Limoges and porcelain décor have become a near obsession for many homeowners. Since the late 1700s, the town of Limoges, France has been producing Limoges porcelain pieces that cater to the decorating needs of antique collectors. Limoges Porcelain is known for its delicate craftsmanship and detailed hand painted artwork. Limoges porcelain is an elegant, decorative addition to any home.

Limoges porcelain is made from the rock kaolin. In the late 1700s an abundance of kaolin was found near Limoges, France and thus promoted the manufacturing of Limoges porcelain. Today, Limoges porcelain is the term used for any porcelain manufactured in Limoges, France regardless of the actual manufacturing factory or company.

Antique Limoges and porcelain décor are an appropriate accent for any style, but particularly great for those who enjoy a more Victorian look. Limoges porcelain is available in a variety of forms including Limoges boxes, Limoges vases and Limoges porcelain dinnerware. Any Limoges porcelain product is not only the perfect accent for a home, but also the perfect gift. A gift of Limoges porcelain indicates thought, time and money spent in picking out that gift.

Since its introduction, Limoges porcelain manufacturers have expanded a great deal. Haviland is one of the most renowned Limoges porcelain retailers. Since 1842, Haviland has been creating Limoges porcelain gifts and their very popular Limoges porcelain dinnerware. Haviland Limoges porcelain dinnerware was particularly popular during 19th century weddings when many brides chose this porcelain for reception dinnerware. Today, Limoges porcelain dinnerware by Haviland is available in a number of elegant and more contemporary patterns. The Haviland Louveciennes dinnerware is a Limoges porcelain set hand painted with an antique chic detail. A five place setting of this china costs about $288.

The most popular Limoges porcelain products are Limoges boxes. Limoge boxes are amongst the top sought after antique Limoges and collectibles. When they first came out, Limoge boxes were used to store tobacco and pills. As time passed, Limoges porcelain boxes began coming in a variety of different sizes with various decorations on them. Today, collectible, hinged Limoges porcelain boxes are available with just about any themed decoration on them. A Limoge box is particularly valuable based on the amount of handcrafted work that goes into making them.

CherryLaneCollection.com is a website that sells a number of limited edition, authentic Limoge boxes. Each one is complete with hand painted design, decorative clasp and artist's signature. When judging the value and authenticity of Limoges porcelain products, the artist's signature is one of the most important things to look for. A custom gold flower Limoge box from Cherry Lane costs just over $100. Each piece from Cherry lane is certified authentic and meets the requirements for a good Limoges porcelain piece – quality of décor, hand painting and artist signature.

Limoges porcelain has made a name for itself in the world of collectibles and antiques. Its chic and elegant décor speaks to generation after generation. Limoges porcelain is also a great gift for those who collect antiques. And for those who do not, a gift of Limoges porcelain is a perfect place to begin the experience with these beautiful pieces of art.


Sources:
Haviland Dinnerware: Louveciennes. ParisJeweler.com. 2000. Paris Jewelers. 1 Aug. 2007. http://www.parisjeweler.com/haviland/haviland_chin a.html.

Limoges Porcelain Boxes: Gold Flowery. CherryLaneKeepsakes.com. 1999-2007. Cherry lane Keepsakes, Inc. http://www.cherrylanecollection.com/html/12873.htm l.

"Limoges Porcelain." Wikipedia.com. 1 Aug. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limoges_porcelain.

Wiggins, Pamela. "Learning about Limoges." About.com. 2007. About, Inc. 1 Aug. 2007. http://antiques.about.com/od/ceramicsporcelai1/a/a a011601.htm.