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The Art of the Limoges Box
Limoges boxes are among the most collected and treasured objects in the world. Yet few people know the story behind the box. From their beginnings as the snuffboxes and status symbols of the French elite to their modern role as delightful, fun, and personal collectibles, these little porcelain containers have a history full of intrigue and innovation. The Art of the Limoges Box is a witty and in-depth guide to these stories - and a handbook to finding and appreciating the best boxes available. Lush color photographs bring these wonderful boxes to life.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
March 14, 2014
Taking an historical approach, this book covers a number of threads very efficiently. There are comparisons between original Limoges works and modern versions on similar themes, sitting together on pages between the social uses and technological developments which have made them possible and desirable.
This approach gives an important connection between the practice of snuff-taking and the exploration of the world that allowed both the discovery of kaolin in the Limoges region of France and the importation of substances and social practices from other countries. While no commentary is provided on the prevalence of reclining nuns and monks on snuffboxes, one can only conclude they are symbols of ‘the meditative life’. They are also an interesting cross-section between the more common reclining Buddha and the decline of the Church is the west with the advance of the Age of Reason.
Perhaps a few more side comments could have been provided to allow such questions to be guided toward other books or lines of inquiry. A good glossary and extensive bibliography do provide a starting point for further reading. Some pages do seem a little cluttered with the layout of the pieces displayed. I can only conclude the desire to share as many pieces as possible within a particular book format lead to this choice. (Compare with the spacious gallery format of Keith and Thomas Waterbrook-Clyde’s The Decorative Art of Limoges Porcelain and Boxes.) A good introduction and companion volume for those interested in collecting, or just in a piece or two that might turn up in the family heirlooms.
This approach gives an important connection between the practice of snuff-taking and the exploration of the world that allowed both the discovery of kaolin in the Limoges region of France and the importation of substances and social practices from other countries. While no commentary is provided on the prevalence of reclining nuns and monks on snuffboxes, one can only conclude they are symbols of ‘the meditative life’. They are also an interesting cross-section between the more common reclining Buddha and the decline of the Church is the west with the advance of the Age of Reason.
Perhaps a few more side comments could have been provided to allow such questions to be guided toward other books or lines of inquiry. A good glossary and extensive bibliography do provide a starting point for further reading. Some pages do seem a little cluttered with the layout of the pieces displayed. I can only conclude the desire to share as many pieces as possible within a particular book format lead to this choice. (Compare with the spacious gallery format of Keith and Thomas Waterbrook-Clyde’s The Decorative Art of Limoges Porcelain and Boxes.) A good introduction and companion volume for those interested in collecting, or just in a piece or two that might turn up in the family heirlooms.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review