Jewelry Boxes - From the Beginning Part 2 It was during Marco Polo's journey to China, 1271-1288, that the ceramic substance known as Porcelain first became known to Western civilization. The Chinese, however, were reluctant to share their secrets in regards a substance known as Kaolin, meaning “white clay,” and the primary ingredient for making Porcelain. Since Kaolin was yet to be discovered in Europe, the only way of obtaining it was to import it from China. It wasn’t until the early 18th century that Kaolin was discovered around Limoges France, a small town and one of the oldest in the French Kingdom. Thus began the history of Limoges Porcelain.
Initially one manufacturing plant was opened to be followed by more in order to meet the demands of the prominent and European courts. Many prestigious artists and more specifically painters, swiftly gained interest in the popular substance which resulted in the mass production of objects for daily uses as well as decorative pieces. As creativity flourished, items such as tableware, vases, platters, pitchers, and bonbonieres were manufactured. A diplomat by the name of Nicot had introduced tobacco to France in the 17th century. Tobacco was not smoked but snuffed instead. Porcelaine seemed a more affordable way to store snuff, and thus began the production of the French Tabatiere or snuff box. Hundreds of Tabatieres were produced out of Porcelaine and into a wide variety of shapes. The two halves of the box were fashioned with brass settings and complimented with gold or silver latches.
Porcelaine had rapidly excelled into a convenient way to create various shapes and no longer impeded the artist’s imagination. The more popular shapes were those of flowers, musical instruments, pets, a Lady’s slipper or even a coiffure. The wealthy or noble would even order miniaturized busts of their beloveds. To own one was a sign of both wealth and taste. Production soared until the French Revolution ensued from 1789-1792, and soldiers of the Republic discovered it was far easier to smoke tobacco in a pipe rather than snuff it. As the reputation of this method spread amongst the common folk, the popularity of the snuff box greatly diminished bringing all productivity to an end. During the two centuries of Europe’s destructive revolutions and wars, very few pieces of the fragile pottery survived.
Some manufacturers have worked diligently to re-produce the unique Tabatieres via extensive historical research of the original documents of molds which miraculously survived the devastation of war. Each piece is its own work of art and many can be viewed at the Musee de la porcelaine de Limoges today. The Tabatieres have also transcended time into the more modern day, ever popular, and highly collectable Trinket Box.
Part III will discuss the birth of the Faberge Egg. Please check back often.
From the Beginning
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