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Collecting Limoges dog
boxes
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Collecting Limoges dog boxes can become an addiction, no doubt about it. Whether you like enchanting groups of dogs or.....you've got to have every Yorkie you see.....
it's important to know what you are getting. What is Limoges? This term is applied to hard paste porcelain made from Kaolin clay found near Limoges France. How old is this
process? Although the process dates
back to ancient China and was a closely held secret by manufacturers
of Meissen, it dates to the 1700's in France. Once the process
became known and Kaolin was noticed in the Limosine region of
France, manufacture of decorative Limoges was promoted as a valuable
industry for France. During this era, these pieces were not exported
to the USA. Haviland begain making pieces and shipping to the US
market about the mid 1800's. However the real popularity of Limoges
boxes in the US dates to more recently, around 1960 and most boxes found
today are from this time forward. Why boxes? In France, small boxes were needed and used for snuff, secret notes, pills, and other small items. Today they make lovely containers for surprise presentation of an engagement ring, to hold a sentimental locket, for overnight storage of important rings, small keys etc. In more recent times they have gained popularity as a way to commemorate an event, a talent, a hobby, travel memories, or pets. Dog boxes are particularly charming and have become quite popular; some people collect all examples of their pet's breed. As a gift, one size fits all! Is all Limoges from France?
No. Although French law prohibits marking Limoges on pieces
manufactured outside the Limosine area of France, that has not prevented
sale of pieces marked Limoges in America or even variations of the
spelling, such as Lemoge. Many made in USA pieces are quite charming
and a great addition to a collection. However, you should be
clear about what you are purchasing, it's value and learn as much as you
can about Limoges pieces. Are there special marks that can identify Limoges? Actually there are quite a few and it recommended that you compare to those in a good guide such as The Collector's Encyclopedia of Limoges. Here are some examples (click to enlarge):
What should I look
for when I buy a box? Check colors. As in most things,
fewer colors makes for easier and less costly manufacture and
painting. Separate firing in a kiln is needed for some colors.
Fewer firings speeds production. Check detailing. Dogs have
fur and breed specific furnishings. Check your piece for
detail in the molding and in the painting. Are facial features
individual or just suggested? Can you see "fur" or is the
coat rather flat? Does it actually look like the breed or do all
terriers look the same except for color? It's a usable box, so the
metal fittings should allow smooth, even fit when the box is closed.
Open and shut it. Limoges dog boxes generally do not have locks, so
it is important that the clasp work well. What's inside the box? In recent years, clever artists have included brief messages, bones, steaks, fur bows, leashes, collars, duck ponds (for retriever types) and occasionally "dog deposits" as a bit of whimsy painted in the bottom of the box to surprise the new owner. Another good reason to open the box before buying! More cute limoges boxes: Find more information about Limoges boxes here:
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