Information and marks for Limoges boxes. 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.
Limoges had strong antecedents in the production of decorative objects. 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. It had also been the site of a minor industry producing plain faience earthenware since the 1730s. Reference: Wikipedia
A Camille Fauré enameled metal covered box
manufactured by Limoges, circa 1925
signed in gilt C. FAURÉ Limoges FRANCE
height 4 1/2in (11.5cm); diameter 5in (12.7cm)
Sold for US$ 3,750 (£ 2,673) inc. premium at Bonhams in 2013
Pyxis in enamel champleve and golden copper
LIMOGES, 13th CENTURY.
Sold for EUR 8,750 at Christie’s
Limoges Gilt-Metal Mounted Enameled Covered Box
In Renaissance style, of oval form, the hinged cover decorated with figures picnicking in a field, the body with grotesque motifs, painted en grisaille heightened with gilt. Height 1 5/8 inches, width 3 9/16 inches.
Sold for $390 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle New York in 2006
French Limoges Porcelain Box with Ormolu Mounts
Limoges porcelain, French, with ormolu mount and wreath clasp, marked on underside. 2.5″ H X 7.25″ W X 5″ D. Minor surface stains.
Sold For: $100 at
NYC Estate Liquidators in 2017
Pyx ca.1250
Made in Limoges, France
Copper: engraved, gilt; champlevé enamel
Dimensions: Overall: 4 1/4 x 2 11/16 in. (10.8 x 6.8 cm)
Classification:Enamels-Champlevé
Credit Line:The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A small gilt-metal snuff box incorporating six Limoges enamel panels
the panels 13th century
each champlevé panel with quatrefoil motifs encircled on a blue ground, set within engraved mounts
3.1cm. high, 6.3cm. wide, 4.5cm deep; 1¼in., 2½in., 1¾in.
Sold for 3,500 GBP at Sotheby’s in 2007
Square pyx with a conical lid and ball finial, of gilt copper alloy decorated with champlevé enamel. Each side with interlaced scroll and foliage pattern.The lid, which is hinged to the main body of the pyx, is also decorated similarly. The palette of dark blue, light blue, yellow, green, white and red champlevé enamel.
Taken from the Greek word ‘pyxis’ meaning ‘box-wood receptacle’, pyxes were vessels used to house the Eucharist which was given to the congregation during the celebration of Mass. The pyx would be hung above the altar in a Church, or used to transport the Eucharist to those who were too sick to attend Church.
Boxes of this form could also be kept in households for private use, for example to hold jewels and other small items of value.
Place of origin:
Limoges (made)
© Victoria and Albert Museum
Limoges enamel box 19th century; casket form, scrolling bronze-dore mount, blue ground, the hinged cover with portrait medallion reserve, the sides featuring grotesque masque decoration, tufted silk-lined interior, 2 1/2 in. H., 4 1/2 in. W., 3 1/4 in. D.
Sold For: $400 at
Alex Cooper in 2017
Limoges Makers Mark