How to Identify Porcelain D'art Limoges From France

Porcelain D'art Limoges is a hand-painted porcelain art form produced in Limoges, France. One of the more common items is the Limoges porcelain pill box that is made using over 25 hand-crafting production steps. These items can be quite expensive and are a much sought after collector's item. Be aware however, that there are many fake and knock off reproductions of real Porcelain D'art Limoges items. Prior to making a purchase, follow these steps to verify the item's authenticity.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the price of the item, especially if it is to be purchased over the Internet. If the piece is selling for something like $30, then it probably is not an authentic Limoges piece. These items generally run in the $100 to $800 range. If possible, ask to see a certificate of authenticity. These usually come with real pieces that are sold through certified Limoges dealers such as La Boutique de la Porcelaine de Limoges.

2. Inspect the item for a signature. Every Limoges porcelain is signed with the name of the manufacturer or workshop that made the piece. It should also say Peint Main (which means hand-painted), and Limoges, France. Any signature that does not contain one of these elements is not a real Limoges porcelain item.

3. Check to make sure the country of origin listed in the signature is France. Any signature bearing another location (other than Limoges, France) is a fake rendition of a Limoges piece. These porcelain items are only produced in this area of France, and nowhere else.

4. Check the spelling of Limoges and the nature in which it is presented. Items presented as Limoges style or faux Limoges are copies not real pieces. Also, knock-off versions of these art forms may contain different spellings of Limoges such as Lamoges or Lumoges. An authentic piece will always have it spelled Limoges.

References

• La Boutique: Limoges Boxes

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish