| What is a Limoges box? When inquiring I found many | | | | When unable to locate old snuff boxes due to two |
| people did not know what a Limoges box was. I am | | | | centuries of revolutions and wars in Europe, entailing |
| going to not only tell you what it is but the story and | | | | substantial destruction, some of the Limoges producers |
| history behind it. Before the interesting history lesson I | | | | were prompted to pursue the re-birth of the Tabatiere. |
| would like to tell you that if you want to give a | | | | If original boxes did survive, they carried a very high |
| personalized unique baby gift, this is one of the most | | | | value. Manufacturers worked very hard, the production |
| different and beautiful gifts I can think of. | | | | was re-started and the artisans succeeded in |
| Kaolin (in Chinese meaning white clay) the primary | | | | resurrecting their heritage. Thus the Limoges boxes still |
| substance for making porcelain could be obtained only | | | | thrive. |
| by importing it from China. In 1768 Kaolin was finally | | | | Now that you know the history of these beautiful |
| discovered around the city of Limoges, in France, and | | | | pieces of art you can also appreciate them. They are |
| the beginning of Limoges porcelain was born. Limoges, | | | | truly keepsakes that anyone receiving one would be |
| a small town was one of the oldest in the French | | | | extremely delighted. |
| kingdom. The most prestigious artists (painters) | | | | Limoges Boxes have become collector items. There |
| became interested in this fabulous substance. They | | | | are now thousands to choose from and no two are |
| created tableware articles such as plates, platters and | | | | exactly alike. Most are quite small and have very |
| pitchers as well as fancy objects such as vases, | | | | intricate art work. They make exceptional newborn |
| bonbonieres, and the snuff box or Tabatiere in French. | | | | baby gifts. You can put babys' initials on the outside |
| The snuff box became an immediate success. With | | | | top of the lid and the date of birth and weight and |
| porcelain there was no limit to the artists' imagination or | | | | height on the inside of the lid. Often there is a picture |
| creativity. Miniature boxes resembling flowers, musical | | | | as you look down into the bottom. You can get one |
| instruments, or even pets could be created. By owning | | | | for a girl or boy. This unique baby gift item is a perfect |
| a Tabatiere a person was identified as distinguished, | | | | gift for grandparents as well. The boxes are small but |
| trendy and affluent. | | | | just the right size for a lock of babys' hair and for all |
| The French Revolution led to the practice of smoking | | | | the little baby teeth. |
| tobacco with a pipe instead of snuffing it. Because of | | | | So when you are looking for that unique baby shower |
| this the production of the fashionable snuff boxes | | | | gift, just remember the saying, "Good things come in |
| came to a standstill. | | | | small packages," and give a Limoges Box. |