The Makers - DuBarry

DuBarry, makers of Limoges Porcelain de France, has been owned by the same family for the past 46 years. They have always specialized in the making of hand painted boxes as collectibles but are relatively new to America introducing their boxes here in 1996. Prior to that time they were sold exclusively in Europe and Great Britain where they were, and are now, well known as makers of Limoges boxes.
The DuBarry collection is quite varied but always has included a very large selection of classic boxes, exquisitely painted in the most traditional designs, often based on the original 18th century Sevres and Vincennes patterns. Unlike other makers who limit production on many of their boxes, DuBarry prides themselves on offering continuity in their classics.
DuBarry was chosen by The Prince's Trust, the world renowned charity which is headed by Prince Charles of England, to produce The Mask Boxes; boxes all based on the same concept but each individually designed by
world famous celebrities
such as Sir Elton John, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sting,
Bette Midler, Placido Domingo, Stirling Moss,
Paloma Picasso to name just a few of the five
hundred masks in the collection.

Rasberry Charlotte

Yes, it was the French that came up with this
delightful dessert, as beautiful as it is tasty.
A Limoges box is pictured
preserved in porcelain by Chamart.
Try the easy recipe below, may not look as nice as the Limoges and certainly has more calories but is
sure to please!

Easy and Quick Recipe from Epicurious :


yield: Makes 6 servings
active time: 15 min
total time: 50 min


Ingredients
7 ounces savoiardi (crisp Italian ladyfingers)
1 tablespoon Cognac or other brandy
1 pint premium vanilla ice cream, melted
10 ounces frozen raspberries (not in syrup)
1 cup water
Rounded 1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup chilled heavy cream

Equipment: a 7- to 8-inch soufflé dish

Preparation
Layer ladyfingers in soufflé dish. Stir Cognac into melted ice cream and pour evenly over cookies. Let stand 10 minutes.
Purée, raspberries with water, sugar, and lemon juice in a blender until smooth.
Beat cream with an electric mixer or a whisk until it just holds stiff peaks, then add 3/4 cup raspberry sauce and continue to beat until mixture holds soft peaks.
Lightly press on cookies with a spatula to compact slightly, then drizzle 1/2 cup raspberry sauce over them. Spread raspberry cream evenly on top and chill, covered, in freezer 30 minutes.
Serve charlotte with remaining raspberry sauce.

The Makers - Pierre Arquie - PPA

One of the few companies left in the heart of Limoges that produce genuine Limoges Boxes is PPA - Porcelaine Pierre Arquie, which was created in 1996. Mr. Arquie, the owner, along with his 11 collaborators manufacture top quality hinged boxes. Mr. Arquie himself designs each piece and personally oversees it's creation until completion. Their specialty appears to be animal boxes. This tiny ladybug box is only 1" across and has a suprise inside - a colorful caterpillar.

The Makers - PV

The letters PV stand for Parry Vieille, one of the finest makers of Limoges boxes. Their designs are all original; they lead and others follow. Unlike others, they make their boxes from start to finish. Every piece is designed, fabricated, decorated and mounted in their own factory located in Limoges, France. The partners have recently separated and are no longer in production.
The sweet teddy bear pictured here is representative of the atelier's attention to detail. Note the expression, the tiny stitches & how puffy the pillow looks.

The Makers - La Vie en Rose

La Vie en Rose is a major manufacturer of Limoges Boxes that bears the same name as the 2007 Oscar winning movie featuring Marion Cotillard as Edith Pilaf. They produce high quality boxes under their own label as well as boxes for importers such as Rochard, Carenton and Wiseowl in Japan. They also produce dinnerware under the label Porcelaine Du Site - Corot. Located in Saint Junien, France, they also produce porcelain jewelry, apothecary jars, lamp bases, gift ware, jars & vases.

The box featured here is a deep cobalt blue with a wonderful gold and platinum design in relief. A brass ring sits inside to hold the fluted pink glass perfume bottle which has a red cabochon glass stone in the brass filigree top. A rich red tassel hangs from a ring at the top making for a truly elegant presentation.