subject: Why Now Is The Best Time To Collect French Limoges Boxes [print this page] 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 kings 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 Ladys 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 Napoleons 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.
by: Vivianne Smith
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