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Painted Porcelain Snuff
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 old polychrome Painted Porcelain Snuff Bottle  US $73.70
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 Chinese woman Painted Porcelain, artist signed rare Vintage Chinese Snuff Bottle US $14.99
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Here are some more information for Painted Porcelain Snuff:
Many factories produced Limoges items that were primarily elaborately molded white wares - a long way from the elaborate designs we normally associate with the name. Decorating studios outside the factory dedicated themselves to the task of Limoges design or the unfinished wares were exported without decoration of any kind. China-painting students in the U.S. and elsewhere eagerly assumed the task of adding decoration to the white wares they received from the Limoges region of France.
The quality of the decoration varied according to the skill of the finisher. Collectors have learned that high quality hand painting raises the value of the work far above one that is poorly finished. A piece signed by the artist is worth even more.
Transfers or decals that mimicked hand decorating were used on some Limoges pieces. Surprisingly, when these kinds of pieces are well done, they have more value than a badly done hand-decorated item. Generally, however, collectors prefer hand decorated pieces and are willing to pay higher prices to procure the best examples.
One early and immediate success among porcelains was the 'tabatiere' or snuff box. These appeared in thousands of different shapes and many were made of porcelain. Limoges jumped on the bandwagon. Due to the accidental fires that burned down the homes of aristocrats and clergymen, groups most likely to have snuff boxes, those that survived the French Revolution (1789-1792) carry a very high value and are eagerly sought by collectors. Porcelain boxes, both Limoges and others, have again become very popular with collectors.
The kind of Limoges porcelain found today by Americans in shops and antique malls is generally representative of the American version of 19th century Limoges. Haviland was a prominent name in the history of Limoges in America. In fact from the mid-19th century to the early 1930s Americans considered Haviland Limoges the standard dinnerware on well-set tables.
Haviland is so prominent among Limoges company names that some collectors concentrate entirely on Haviland products. Still others focus on those Limoges products available from a variety of manufacturers. A book by Mary Frank Gaston, "The Collector's Encyclopedia of Limoges, avers that collectors who look beyond Haviland "move away from the quaint dinnerware toward decorative accessories such as vases, trays and tankards generally featuring more vivid coloration and an abundance of decorative gold trim."
The quality of the decoration, the book continues, is often more important than the age of the piece, albeit both are important.
Despite the popularity of Limoges over the centuries there are few reproductions available. Nevertheless, to the delight of collectors the world over, the Limoges snuff boxes have made a remarkable comeback and are the label's most famous product. Today, however, there are roughly 20-30 porcelain factories in Limoges itself and most are specialized in certain types of porcelain such as dinnerware, giftware, and industrial porcelain.
The discovery of the beautiful Limoges porcelain is an adventure that more and more people eagerly undertake. You may let the voyage begin at our collector's e-commerce store, http://theglobalconnoisseur.com
Robert D. Forst is an avid art, opera, and classical music enthusiast who has lived all over the world acquiring a cultivated taste in art, crystal, porcelain, and paintings that is reflected in his and his wife's e-commerce store. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and taste as a contributing editor at http://www.theglobalconnoisseur.com - a site that offers information concerning original oil paintings and watercolors, Romanian Crystal, Limited Edition Romanian Vases, one-of-a-kind hand-painted ceramic vases and boxes, and a great deal more.
Why Now is the Best Time to Collect French Limoges Boxes
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 king's 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 Lady's 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 Napoleon's 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.
About the Author
www.LimogesBoxCollector.com is one of the largest direct importers of French Limoges boxes in the US. To view an extensive selection of Limoges boxes, including numerous exclusive pieces, please visit www.LimogesBoxCollector.com.
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