Frequently Asked Questions by Limoges Box Collectors

Limoges boxes are considered to be exquisite works of art. One can find original Rochard boxes that continue to be manufactured in this region in France that goes by the name of ‘Limoges’. Like most other collectible items, there are number things to consider and learn before you call yourself a seasoned collector. Especially with so many impersonations available in the market, as a collector, you need to be able to easily differentiate between authentic Limoges boxes and fake ones.

Here are some of the most commonly raised questions by first time collectors.

1.Do all Limoges boxes come with consistent quality?

Evidently, the answer to this question is no. While most boxes are made with the help of kaolin or clay, only the ones that are made in the Limoges region are considered to be the authentic ones. Some manufacturers may use different techniques and materials to producing these boxes. This influences the standards in quality among different boxes made from the same region. Depending on the quality of the box you purchase, your price will vary. Boxes made by the most well known and authentic artists, with the help of the best quality moulds and paints will obviously come at a premium.

2.Do these boxes exist in limited editions?

You can surely find limited addition boxes. Especially vintage Limoges boxes that are made in a specific design or shape may have been manufactured only in limited numbers. Chances are that the artist disposed off the moulds after producing a specific number of boxes in that design. In most cases, you will be able to find a number under the box which indicates the quantity that it was originally manufactured in. The numbers are usually counted backwards. This means that a number 6 may be manufactured before a number 5.

3.What do you mean by American or Chinese Limoges boxes?

These are evidently not vintage Limoges boxes. A Limoges box can be considered original only if it comes from that particular region in France. This is because the porcelain used in these boxes is only available in this region. The porcelain procured from any other region in the world will give the box a very different consistency and texture. You can identify the authenticity of the box by looking for a mark at the bottom on the box. Here, you will be able to find the country of origin.

Authentic Limoges boxes make for an excellent collectors’ item for home décor as well as investment. This speciality of France is typically exported to various parts of the world. Start collecting and gifting these beautiful works of art that you can eventually pass on for generations to come!

Limoges Boxes and Figurines- Things to Cherish for Vintage Collectors

Your son has just taken his first step or your daughter has won the first prize in a dance performance. It is your 25th marriage anniversary or your husband got a terrific breakthrough in his career. Whatever may be the reason for extolment Limoges boxes and figurines can be some of the most unique and exquisite things to gift.

Above all, if you are an avid collector of vintage items, you are sure to turn all heads to your display shelf simply by keeping a few of these impeccable art pieces. However, as a serious collector you need to take into consideration a few things before picking out a box simply because you like the look of it.

Know the Authentic Manufacturers: Duplicate Limoges boxes have flooded the market these days owing to the burgeoning demand of these pieces of art. Hence, in order to ensure that you are not laying your hands on a figurine done by some brick and mortar local artist, it is imperative to know some of the genuine manufacturers.

Vintage Limoges boxes were traditionally designed and manufactured by royal commission and are rare varieties possessing Fleur de Lys imprinted on them. Some of the more recent manufacturers are Haviland, Rochard, Artoria, Dubarry and the likes who are known for their excellent craftsmanship in designing the boxes.

Decoration: The surface decoration is another important criterion to look at. For adding some of the immaculate hand décor varieties, look out for the label Peint Mein. Alternatively, you can also try out a combination of hand work and decals where the highlighting streaks are done by hand and which will have Rehausse Main as their designation.

Detailing and Painting: Authentic Limoges boxes are known for their flawless detailing whereby artists use their creative clout to make intricate designs with one color taken at a time. When one shade is done with, a firing process is applied prior to use of another color. Hence, be aware of designs, which depict mere daubing of colors. The proportion and pragmatism of varying hues are ultimately used for putting up a specific scenery or image.

Collector’s Collection: If you wish to add to your collection of Vintage items, it is worthwhile to look for miniature sets of Limoges tea and coffee designed by a particular factory or artisan. Alternatively, you can also accumulate the items in tune with a particular theme, occasion, or animals.

Limited Edition Boxes: The Limited Edition Limoges boxes are truly valuable pieces of art that not only enhances your treasure trove of collectibles but can also bring you huge profits at auctions later on. If you want to add a Limited edition to your display closet, look for one, which is restricted to a specific designer. Authentic and accurate limited designs are unique in their mold designs since the detailing on the miniature is done completely by hand and by a single artisan. You can identify a limited edition from the registered trademark signature of the particular artisan.

Genuine Limoges boxes are indeed priceless treasures to cherish and it is the assiduous artwork done by hand which catapults their prices. Hence, do not be overwhelmed to come across such boxes at throwaway prices. They are likely to be duplicate ones, and will add no value to your collectibles.

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.