Limoges Fine China From Paris, France

By Author: Martin Woods
Total Articles: 2
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Authentic items of fine china from Limoges are created from china, a mixture made from kaolin (a very fine type of white clay) and petunste i.e. pulverized feldspar. In the production of Limoges china a given item is first shaped and moulded from the described mixture. The moulded shape is then placed in a kiln and fired at temperatures in the range of 1450°C for a period of 30-45 hours. During this firing process the feldspar melts and subsequently ensures that the entire item becomes fused as a single, non-porous body. Limoges china remains attractive for many years thanks to the firing process which totally eliminates the possibility of water absorption even when chipping occurs. Glazes are only applied for the purposes of decoration.

The basic rule for the manufacturing of these French porcelain items is that the highest quality of china will be translucent if thin and that a ringing sound will be produced when the item is struck.

The Limoges china industry was established around 1768 after kaolin deposits were discovered in that region of France. It was in 1771 that the first factory meant to produce hard-paste ...
... china items began operations under Royal supervision. The French Revolution that happened several years later effectively placed industry control in private hands and several factories were established in the Limoges region.

The first half of the 19th century saw an increase in the number of these factories and a simultaneous improvement in the production of quality fine white china. The latter part of that century is however regarded as the time when the Limoges china industry achieved its greatest growth and appreciation. Thanks to improvements in innovation and quality these items were globally acclaimed as some of the best examples of French artwork; any item from the Limoges kilns was seen as a work of art. During this period many expositions were held in various parts of the world with the lead agenda being to recognize and appreciate the innovation and fine design work that characterized each article of French porcelain. This global exposure saw the migration of many artists to Limoges and this heightened the quality of fine white china artwork further. In the 1920s the Paris art scene saw a transition from art nouveau to art deco and this new style continues to be the basis of the fine artwork being produced to this date.

People interested in owning an item or two of original Limoges china from Paris, France, can rest assured that their hopes can be realized albeit at quite exorbitant prices. The cherished nature of the fine white china items has given them a ‘work of art' status and the fact that most of these are actually family heirlooms passed down the generations has largely contributed to the increasing value collectors have attached to them. Limoges china is indeed a great example of French artwork when one considers the quality of decoration and all the practical items of French porcelain that have been created over time. Amongst these are vases, teapots, bowl sets, cider pitchers, jardinières, humidors, dresser sets, inkwells and trinket boxes.

At Laure Selignac http://www.laureselignac.com/ you can find the very best in fine china artwork from Paris, France. Our collection of Limoges china trinket boxes offers plenty of choice and you can actually personalize your porcelain box.