FAQs on Limoges boxes for collectors

Limoges boxes are beautiful works of art. The original Rochard Limoges boxes are still manufactured in the region called ‘Limoges’ in France. Like all collectible items, there are many questions one might have about these items in order to familiarise one’s self with this unique work of art. Also, many impersonations also available in the market, therefore one must know how to distinguish the original from the fake. Here’s a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about Rochard Limoges boxes that collectors and enthusiasts seek for -

1.Are all Limoges boxes of the same quality?

No, they are not. Limoges boxes are made using white clay or kaolin, and all boxes which are manufactured in the Limoges region of France are indeed called authentic Limoges boxes. However, different manufacturers do use different materials and techniques for making these boxes, therefore the quality may vary between these. Along with the quality, naturally, the price would vary too. A Limoges box manufactured by the best and authentic artists, using fine quality moulds, paints and additional accessories would naturally cost one more than a box made using cheaper means.

2.Are Limoges boxes available in limited editions?

Yes they are. Vintage Limoges boxes made in a particular shape or design may have a limited number because usually the manufacturers throw away the moulds after these many are manufactured. At the bottom of the Limoges box, you can usually find a number which indicates the number for that particular design. The numbers are counted backwards, so a box number 5 is usually manufactured before box number 4 and so forth. However, you can find numbers greater than 500 which indicate that as many moulds could have been used to manufacture that particular design.

3.What are Chinese and American Limoges boxes?

They are not Vintage Limoges boxes for one. A Limoges box can only be called an original Limoges box if it is manufactured in Limoges of course! The special porcelain which is used in the original Limoges boxes is only found in the French region, and the porcelain used to make such boxes anywhere else in the world is different in texture, consistency and other factors to its original counterpart from France. There is a specific identification mark which you can find on the bottom of an original Limoges box which can distinguish it from an imitation. Be sure to look out for it.

Limoges boxes are amongst the most popular gift and decoration items, and a specialty from France which is exported to most countries around the world. They are beautiful, rare and exquisite works of art.

Best ways to use Limoges boxes

Original Limoges trinket boxes are some of the most famous collectibles that art lovers appreciate throughout the world. These beautiful miniature boxes are named after the region of France in which they were manufactured. Available in a wide array of shapes and colours, these trinket boxes are great gifts to give to family and friends for all occasions. They can also be used for a variety of other creative purposes. Some of them are:

1.As a ring box:  Whether you are proposing to a loved one with an engagement ring, or carrying the bride and groom’s wedding rings to them on their big day as the ring bearer, trinket boxes can be used as beautiful  places to place the ring to be presented. Since they come in a variety of shapes, one can find a shape that’s just right for the occasion- perhaps a heart-shaped box for a loved one or a chocolate shaped box if your lover has a sweet tooth!

2.As a snuff box: Snuff is a kind of mild tobacco which is a powdery substance available in many flavours, such as menthol, spice, cinnamon, mint, fruit, camphor etc. If you are planning a gift for someone who is an ardent snuff fan, you may consider giving a Limoges box which as be used by them as a snuff box. Since Limoges boxes are small, one can easily fit it into ones pocket as a snuff box and carry it around wherever they may go.

3.As a mini perfume bottle: Trinket boxes serve as great scent cases as carried in this way, the scent becomes extremely personalised and one doesn’t have to use common bottles available in the market! You can simply pour the liquid into the snuff box and apply it with your fingertips. Again, since Limoges boxes and small and portable, it can be carried easily in ladies’ purses and taken around with them. It also keeps people guessing as to what perfume brand you are wearing if you carry the scent in your own personalised container!

4.As a bonbonniere: A bonbonniere is a small box used for carrying confectionery or chocolate. According to an ancient European tradition, these were distributed to guests at weddings as gifts and contained small delicacies, such as expensive chocolates or mints. Italians used to distribute almonds in them as well at their weddings.

Limoges trinket boxes are not only beautiful, but serve as wonderful gifts as well. They have a multitude of uses, and almost everyone can find a special place for them in their home.

How to Identify an Authentic Limoges Porcelain Box

The Limoges Porcelain box was first created in the late 1700’s in Limoges, France. They started out to be made of kaolin, a form of hard-paste porcelain before graduating to quartz and feldspar.

These boxes make as great gift items or collectibles that can be placed on your dresser, desk or simply displayed on a shelf in your home. If you plan on collecting these Limoges porcelain figurines or boxes, it is then important for you to identify the authentic ones from their imitation counterparts.

1.Look for the Stamp - The first thing to do when you come across a porcelain box is to train your eye on the bottom part. An authentic box is likely to have a hand-painted factory stamp with the ‘Limoges, France’ insignia. There should also be a printed stamp which says ‘hand-painted’ or ‘peint main’. Remember that a box with a stamped ‘C’ or ‘RC’ next to the insignia suggests that the box is an imitation manufactured in the Republic of China.

2.Observe the Design - Assess the design of the box. If it consists of animals, landscapes, people, etc., the work should look hand-painted. If the design on your box is floral, it will be a transfer decal that has been specially designed by the factory. If your design is of a fruit, it is important to be aware that Rochard Limoges porcelain makers use fruit designs that are larger than the ones used by others.

3.Observe the Glazing – Again assess the box closely. Authentic Limoges porcelain boxes are designed over and under a layer of glaze. While the glaze is typically used to protect the box, makers from Limoges also use it to add artistic effects to their pieces. This glaze can be easily identified by their shine or crackled effect.

4.Getting to Know the Makers - There are also a number of makers that produce Limoges and do not include the name in their mark. Get a list of these makers and their peculiarities so that you can identify their work.

5.Recognizing their Imagery- Also learn to recognize genuine Limoges imagery. Many manufacturers place pictures of butterflies, birds and other elements into their mark.

Finally, it is obvious that the cost between the imitation piece and the original Rochard Limoges will differ. Since the latter are made using various hand-processed manufacturing steps, they take a bit longer to be produced. This process is what one is typically paying for while investing in an original Limoges box.