French Style China And Fine Porcelain

The history of Limoges china manufacture can be traced back to 1771 when the activity was placed under the supervision of Royal Prince Comte d'Artois, brother to King Louis XVI. The Limoges region was previously producing a type of plain earthenware referred to as ‘faience' until the discovery of kaolin and a material similar to petuntse was made at Saint-Yreix-la-Perche. These are the two materials that are used to make hard-paste French china which bears much similarity to China porcelain. Mining of these raw materials commenced in 1768, leading up to the aforementioned start of porcelain manufacture three years later.

In the years after the French Revolution the control of Limoges china production was shifted from the Royalty and was taken over by private factories. Several of these set up shop in Limoges and amongst the most notable were Haviland, Pouyat, Ahrenfeldt, Elite and Guerin. It is worth noting that the term ‘Limoges porcelain' makes reference to all items of French china that are made in and around the town of Limoges.

Limoges pieces are a fine example of exquisite French artwork and as is common with any desirable work of art there is a perpetual threat from counterfeit production. French china experts may be required to ascertain the authenticity of Limoges porcelain pieces but some of the distinguishing elements, with reference to decoration, are quite discernible even to the inexperienced eye. The said decoration aspect may be done in three different ways i.e. under the glaze (through hand painting or by using decal transfers between the first and second glazing), above the glaze, or both techniques.

It is quite rare to find the finest pieces of antique Limoges china except when these are being shown by established collectors. Some of the best collections are owned by the Haviland Collector's International Foundation, Christie's Auction House and Sotheby's Auction House. All three collectors are esteemed for their reliable research and expertise in these fine items of French artwork.

Visitors to public exhibitions of Limoges porcelain history should mostly expect to see work of art that was produced in the Haviland Limoges factory. This is because the factory specialized in the production of porcelain dinnerware which was quite easy to stash away safely during the various upheavals that have occurred down the centuries. These items of Paris art are typically adorned using the under-glaze technique or with decorations that depict garlands or flower-wreaths. Fruit patterns are also quite common. The rarest antique Limoges porcelain work of art is one that depicts humans and/or animals i.e. figurative decoration. It is even rarer to find such French artwork that is based on landscape decoration.

Like many a work of art, the most valuable of these items of fine French china are the older ones. This is because the Limoges china of old was always hand-painted unlike the newer items that aren't always decorated in a similar manner. The other aspects that add great appeal to this French china are the translucency and lighter weight compared to other types of china. These desirable qualities are achieved through the use of highly refined china that is subsequently fired and re-fired at increasingly higher temperatures.

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Hand painted works of art, fine French china artwork available online at Laure Selignac. Each piece is a unique gift for those people close to your heart. Personalize your piece with a unique message and picture to make it truly special.

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