Limoges porcelain: Difference between revisions
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== History == |
== History == |
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Limoges had strong |
Limoges had strong antecedents in the production of decorative objets. The city was the most famous European centre of [[vitreous enamel]] production in the 12th century, and [[Limoges enamel]] was known as ''Opus de Limogia'' or ''Labor Limogiae''.<ref name="Addison">[http://books.google.com/books?id=F5zL1xN_Cs4C&pg=PA97 ''Arts and Crafts in the Middle Ages'' by Julia De Wolf Gi Addison p.97''ff'']</ref> |
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Limoges had also been the site of a minor industry producing plain [[faience]] earthenwares since the 1730s. |
Limoges had also been the site of a minor industry producing plain [[faience]] earthenwares since the 1730s. |
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The manufacturing of [[Hard-paste porcelain|hard-paste]] porcelain at Limoges was established by [[Anne Robert Jacques Turgot, Baron de Laune|Turgot]] in 1771 following the discovery of local supplies of [[kaolin]] and a material similar to [[petuntse]] in the economically distressed area at [[Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche]], near Limoges. The ingredients were used for the production of hard-paste porcelain similar to [[Chinese porcelain]]. The materials were quarried commencing in 1768. |
The manufacturing of [[Hard-paste porcelain|hard-paste]] porcelain at Limoges was established by [[Anne Robert Jacques Turgot, Baron de Laune|Turgot]] in 1771 following the discovery of local supplies of [[kaolin]] and a material similar to [[petuntse]] in the economically distressed area at [[Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche]], near Limoges. The ingredients were used for the production of hard-paste porcelain similar to [[Chinese porcelain]]. The materials were quarried commencing in 1768. |
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The manufacture was placed under the patronage of the [[Charles X of France|comte d'Artois]], brother of [[Louis XVI of France|Louis XVI]] and the manufactory was later purchased by the King in 1784, apparently with the idea of producing hard-paste bodies for decoration at [[Sèvres porcelain|Sèvres]], |
The manufacture was placed under the patronage of the [[Charles X of France|comte d'Artois]], brother of [[Louis XVI of France|Louis XVI]] and the manufactory was later purchased by the King in 1784, apparently with the idea of producing hard-paste bodies for decoration at [[Sèvres porcelain|Sèvres]], although this never happened. |
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After the [[French Revolution|Revolution]] a number of private factories were established at Limoges, including [[Bernardaud]] and [[Haviland & Co.]] |
After the [[French Revolution|Revolution]] a number of private factories were established at Limoges, including [[Bernardaud]] and [[Haviland & Co.]] |
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<b>A Brief History of Limoges and Artistry of Limoges Boxes:</b>'''<p> |
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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.<p> |
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Although today Limoges, France is most famous for its fine porcelain, the art-related history of Limoges began with champleve enamel work in the 12th century, during which time boxes and other decorative items were exquisitely crafted in intricate designs in enamel. This art form in Limoges developed into painted enamel and later into painted porcelain. The earliest examples of decorated porcelain were created in China in the second century B.C. In 1520, finished porcelain products were first imported to Europe and by 1712 the manufacturing process was begun in Europe. But, due to the shortage of the key ingredient for fine porcelain - "Kaolin" (white clay) - fine production of pure white porcelain was not yet possible in the west.In 1768, a very large deposit of the finest Kaolin in Europe was discovered near the town of Limoges, France. Limoges was an established trading and manufacturing centre in the region. The abundant forests provided wood for the porcelain firing kilns and the Vienne river supplied plentiful water and transportation. These key factors as well as the availability of skilled local artisans, attracted designers and entrepreneurs from throughout Europe who established their individual manufacturing workshops "ateliers" in Limoges. Some of these ateliers became world famous trademarks which are revered to this day.<p> |
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Limoges porcelain boxes are manufactured in the same manner in small workshops and ateliers in the Limoges region. The popularity of LImoges boxes continues to grow. They are cherished and collected by numerous collectors worldwide, especially in the United States.To the modern collector, Limoges boxes are enjoyed as beautiful objects of exquisite craftsmanship. Originally, however, they were used as snuffboxes, and considered almost an integral part of one's wardrobe, to be carried in one's pocket like a fancy cigarette case. 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.<p> |
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In the early twentieth century, Limoges porcelain boxes were commonly used as pillboxes. They may still be used for such purposes. Today, Limoges boxes are cherished by collectors for their fabulous detail, creative designs and sophistication. The artistry of Limoges boxes evoke the same type of popular interest today as when they were first created in the 1700s. Limoges box manufacturers such as [http://www.beauchamplimoges.com Beauchamp Limoges], manufacturers of fine porcelain French Limoges boxes, produce a wide variety of Limoges boxes in classic styles as well as contemporary and whimsical shapes and designs. |
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== Present day == |
== Present day == |
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Limoges maintains the position it established in the 19th century as the premier manufacturing city of porcelain in France. Current manufacturers include [[Bernardaud]] and [[Haviland & Co.]] |
Limoges maintains the position it established in the 19th century as the premier manufacturing city of porcelain in France. Current manufacturers include [[Bernardaud]] and [[Haviland & Co.]]. Even though facing fierce competition from Thailand and China, Limoges offers porcelain of better quality, although much Asian product is mis-sold as French. To be authentic, each Limoges box has to be crafted and hand-painted entirely in the Limousine area in central France. |
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Even though facing fierce competition from China, Limoges offers porcelain of better quality, more suitable for high quality dinnerware and luxury goods. For example, [http://Mr-G http://www.mr-g.fr], a company designing cufflinks with distributors in France and worldwide relies on manufacturers from Limoges in order to offer a product of better quality.<p> |
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The authenticity of French Limoges boxes is in the stamp and signature on each piece. To be authentic, each Limoges box has to be crafted and hand-painted entirely in the Limousine area in central France. [http://www.beauchamplimoges.com Beauchamp Limoges] produces their Limoges boxes entirely in Limoges, France. Every detail, including the manufacture of white porcelain, hand-painting and metal work is performed in Limoges. |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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Revision as of 06:57, 14 December 2010
| French porcelain |
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Limoges porcelain designates hard-paste porcelain produced by factories near the city of Limoges, France beginning in the late 18th century, but does not refer to a particular manufacturer.
History
Limoges had strong antecedents in the production of decorative objets. The city was the most famous European centre of vitreous enamel production in the 12th century, and Limoges enamel was known as Opus de Limogia or Labor Limogiae.[1]
Limoges had also been the site of a minor industry producing plain faience earthenwares since the 1730s.
The manufacturing of hard-paste porcelain at Limoges was established by Turgot in 1771 following the discovery of local supplies of kaolin and a material similar to petuntse in the economically distressed area at Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, near Limoges. The ingredients were used for the production of hard-paste porcelain similar to Chinese porcelain. The materials were quarried commencing in 1768.
The manufacture was placed under the patronage of the comte d'Artois, brother of Louis XVI and the manufactory was later purchased by the King in 1784, apparently with the idea of producing hard-paste bodies for decoration at Sèvres, although this never happened.
After the Revolution a number of private factories were established at Limoges, including Bernardaud and Haviland & Co.
Present day
Limoges maintains the position it established in the 19th century as the premier manufacturing city of porcelain in France. Current manufacturers include Bernardaud and Haviland & Co.. Even though facing fierce competition from Thailand and China, Limoges offers porcelain of better quality, although much Asian product is mis-sold as French. To be authentic, each Limoges box has to be crafted and hand-painted entirely in the Limousine area in central France.
Notes
References
- M. Ernoud-Gandouet, La Céramique en France au XIXe siècle (Paris) 1969.
- Mary Frank Gaston, The Collector's Encyclopedia of Limoges.
- Nancy du Tertre, The Art of the Limoges Box (2003).
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