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Traditions Porcelain Decorative Box

Porcelain boxes were considered the height of gentility in European courts of the 18th century. Intricately made and elaborately decorated, the boxes became a traditional gift among nobility and were presented to commemorate both intimate family occasions and as gifts from the state.

History
- The chief ingredient for porcelain is a mineral called Kaolin. It was discovered in 1771 by the Grelle brothers, who established the first porcelain factory near Limoges, France. In 1784 King Louis XVI of France purchased the factory so the white porcelain could be exclusively decorated at Sevres, outside Paris. In the 18th century, more famous porcelain factories were established, including Allaud; Pouyat and Tharaud and in England: Worcester, Chelsea and Derby. In 1842 an American, David Haviland, built a factory in Limoges that made china for the North American market and in 1880, designed a dinner service for the White House. Boxes are the most famous porcelain product and feature in many collections.
Uses
- It was common for lovers to place amorous letters and poems inside porcelain boxes. Many people arranged rendezvous through this medium. People also used the boxes to hold gifts of jewelry and they were a traditional packaging for engagement rings. Women in the 18th century carried porcelain boxes, or 'bonbonnieres' to store the sweets they used to disguise their bad breath, while 18th century gentlemen used porcelain boxes to store snuff. The Marquis de Pompadour ordered long, narrow boxes for his ladies to holld scarce and expensive sewing needles or thimbles. The boxes were so prized they became a traditional diplomatic gift among the gentry and from princes and monarchs to visiting dignitaries.
Designs
- Artisans designed porcelain boxes with strong hinges to be airtight. Most were pocket size because they were intended to hold small items of jewelry or enough snuff or sweets, for one day. Designs were detailed and intricate using enamel, silver, gold and precious jewels. Major factories in Capidamonte, Meissen, Fulda and Sevres manufactures boxes that featured copies of landscapes by artists such as JMW Turner and Bernard Belloto.
Collectability
- Every Limoges porcelain box is part of a limited edition and each one is painted by hand. Napoleon's empress, Josephine, was a major collector and started a tradition among European royalty. Tsar Alexander III of Russi ordered a series of boxes in an egg design which Faberge decorated. In a sale at Bonham's, London, a collection of porcelain snuff boxes achieved a price of $2,750,000 in July 2011.

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