Limoges porcelain boxes are crafted out of hard paste porcelain. These intricate boxes are crafted in molds. Skilled artisans paint them and glaze them. The metal parts are designed according to the mold. These are then fitted on with precision.
You need to take certain steps to keep them clean and last long. They are finished off with high quality glaze to protect the paint and give a shine.
The boxes also have metal parts and fittings that are fixed on them. These could include the borders and the base along with the clasp. Each element must be taken into consideration when maintaining your collection.
The Limoges boxes and figurines are quite expensive. You need to pay attention towards their maintenance.
How to Store Limoges Boxes and Figurines
The first thing to do is to keep the collection in a curio cabinet. Since this will be a closed environment, you can prevent the items from being exposed to light and dust. Further, it will prevent interaction with people and pets.
This ensures that the dust will not catch in the grooves and the sunlight will not make the paint fade. Further you will prevent breakage is from accidents.
Caring For The Limoges Boxes And Figurines
Surprisingly enough to these delicate pieces are very easy to care for. That is especially true if you have them in an enclosed space.
If one of your Limoges porcelain boxes and figurines have gotten dirty then you simply need to clean it with warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent. Make sure that you use a very soft cloth and mild detergent to clean it up. The best way to start off is to dissolve some mild detergent in water.
Place a cotton towel in the sink or bowl and then place the figure on it. This would prevent accidental slipping and cracking. Then you can move the soft cloth across the surface and clean it. Strong cleaners will most certainly lead to permanent damage on the porcelain.
If your box or figurine has an air hole on it you must make sure that you tape it. You do not want water entering into the entire structure. This will gradually weaken it from inside or allow it to catch mold.
Ideally, you should not scrub the porcelain pieces unless they have heavy stains. If they are badly stained then submerge them in warm water to lighten the stain gradually.
Once you're done washing the figurines and boxes, you can start to dry them. Use a soft cloth to gently pat away the water from them. If the water spots are left there, they will stain the porcelain. Once you're done wiping them, leave them on the cotton towel to dry out completely. Before you shift them back into the curio shelf, you must wipe them with a dry and soft cloth. This will remove any last film of dust that might have coated the figurines since its wash.
Repairs and Maintenance
If the porcelain is chipped, it is better to wash and dry it first. This should be followed by a repair session. For high-end porcelain, consider taking it into a professional repair shop. For your regular collectibles, you can attempt a home repair. However, you need to have hands which deliver intricacy and finesse.
Things to Avoid When Caring For Limoges Boxes and Figurines
Never put the delicate items in the dishwasher to clean them. They are more delicate than fine bone china and the excessive heat of dishwashers can crack them.
Also do not leave them soaking in a detergent solution because you do not require excessive abrasives.