Tips to Identify an Authentic Limoges Porcelain Box

A porcelain box looks simply exquisite. The production of the Limoges porcelain boxes dates back to the late 1970s. They were produced for the first time in the city of Limoges in France. The initial production used kaolin clay as the raw material for these boxes. However, later the manufacturers graduated to the use of feldspar and quartz for creating these one of a kind boxes.

These boxes are popular as gift items as well as collectibles and if you too want to have a collection of your own, it would be a wise idea to learn how to distinguish an authentic porcelain box from a fake one. Whether you are buying a box or figurine as a gift item or as a showpiece for your home or office, make sure that you keep the following tips in mind before loosening your purse strings.

Check the stamp on the box

One of the most common identification marks for a genuine Limoges porcelain box is the factory stamp that is painted by hand at the bottom of the piece. You will be able to see the ‘Limoges, France’ insignia clearly on an authentic piece. That apart, a printed stamp that reads ‘peint main’, meaning hand painted, will also be there at the bottom of the figurine or box.

You can spot a fake easily by the ‘C’ or ‘RC’ stamp printed at the bottom of it. This means that the piece is a mere replica that has been manufactured in China or the Republic of China. Do not be fooled into buying such a piece at a premium price. It would also help you to know the well-known makers of these boxes and their product stamps.

The imagery and design provide other clues

The most common designs that you will find on authentic Limoges porcelain boxes are those of fruits, flowers, people, animals, and landscapes. Check the design closely to see if it appears to be hand painted. To add to it, some common elements of imagery that you will find on a real Limoges porcelain box are colorful birds and butterflies. Most experts are trained in recognizing the imagery and the glazing on genuine kaolin clay pieces.

Compare the prices

The last and most obvious clue to the authenticity of a porcelain piece can be found in its price tag. An original porcelain box will be more expensive due to the labor-intensive manufacturing process that it entails, whereas a knockoff will be sold at dirt cheap prices.

Follow the tips mentioned above to buy an authentic piece that will last forever.. Do not be fooled into purchasing a fake one with your hard-earned money.

Interesting Facts about Traditional Limoges Boxes

Over time, traditional Limoges boxes have become a popular collectible due to their worldwide status as precious works of art. These delicate porcelain boxes were originally made of Kaolin clay and manufactured in a city called Limoges in France.

If you too have been left enchanted by the beauty of these boxes and figurines and want to start collecting them, it would be of great help for you to know some interesting facts about them. These lesser known facts about these figurines and boxes will not only help you distinguish between an authentic piece and a cheap knock off but also to build an impressive collection that is of great value.

Differentiating on the basis of quality

It may come to you as a surprise that not all traditional kaolin clay boxes are of the same quality. If you want nothing but an authentic box, you should check the stamp at the bottom of the piece and make sure that it bears a ‘Limoges, France’ insignia. This indicates that the piece has been manufactured in the region of the same name in France and is an original piece and not a cheap reproduction manufactured in China.

However, even the traditional Limoges boxes bearing the above-mentioned insignia differ in quality, as different manufacturers in the region use different production techniques and materials to make these boxes. The finer is the quality of moulds and paints used for making these figurines and pieces, the better is their quality, and the higher is their prices. Moreover, the use of meticulously designed accessories also adds to the value of the piece, thus making is more expensive.

Look for limited edition pieces for your collection

You can be sure about getting value for your money if you choose to buy a limited edition piece. This is because all authentic boxes and figurines are manufactured in a limited number after which their moulds are thrown away. An authentic piece will bear the number of the particular design at its bottom. These are rare pieces of collection/s that are long savored later.

Steer clear of American and Chinese pieces

As already mentioned above, original Limoges boxes and figurines are manufactured with a special type of porcelain that is found in France. However, the popularity of these collectibles has led to the market being flooded with several American and Chinese reproductions of the same. These are of inferior quality, have poor texture and imagery, and are no more than cheap imitations that you should steer clear of at all costs if you are building a collection of traditional Limoges boxes.

These facts about these collectible boxes should stand you in good stead while buying the product to last for years to come.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Limoges Boxes and Figurines

The unique appeal of limoges boxes and figurines with their meticulous imagery and vivid hues charms one and all. Whether you have been collecting these exquisite pieces for some time now or have just received the first piece as a gift from someone special, it is important to keep them clean and well maintained. This will keep your precious Kaolin clay box or figurine looking brand new and even add to its value.

You need to be extra careful while cleaning or repairing these delicate boxes and figurines that are made from Kaolin clay. It would help if you dust them lightly with a soft, dry cloth on a regular basis. This will prevent dust and dirt from settling on the surface and scratching it. However, while it may be easy to wipe the surface clean, it requires a little more precision to get rid of dirt and dust that accumulates in the crevices.

Cleaning the crevices of Limoges boxes and figurines

The best way to remove dirt or dust that has settled in the crevices of your Kaolin clay item, be it a figurine or a trinket box, is by using a solution of warm water and mild detergent to clean it. Just a few drops of the detergent will be enough. You may use a soft cloth to remove the debris. You may even soak your box in the detergent solution for some time and then use a light sponge to wipe off any accumulated dust or dirt.

In order to remove tough stains from your porcelain box, you need to soak the same in a solution of warm water and mild detergent for approximately half an hour. Make sure that the detergent you use does not contain any bleaching agent or chlorine that can damage the imagery on these items. The stains will most likely fade away after 20 to 30 minutes after which you should remove the item from the cleaning solution and wash it gently with distilled water. Thereafter, pat the item dry with a soft cloth and it will look as good as new.

Repairing Limoges boxes and figurines

These items require careful handling or else they can easily develop cracks on the surface. You can mend minor cracks and chips on the surface of your limoges trinket box or figurine by filling them up with epoxy putty using a butter knife. Once the putty has dried, you need to smoothen it with silicon carbide paper and apply a top coat of white-colored lacquer, the cold-cure variety, using a soft artist’s brush.  With proper care and maintenance, these collectible items are sure to last you a lifetime.