LIMOGES France Porcelain Handbag Trinket Box Vintage. Mint condition. Hand painted~ The French term "Peint Main" or "Peint a la Main" means "Hand-Painted" in English. These terms are a necessary indicator that the porcelain Limoges box is completely painted by hand by French artisans in Limoges, France. Brass hardware. Bow clasp (sturdy and works perfectly). Original chain links. A peint main Limoges box begins with a blank white porcelain box that comes in two or more pieces. Adhering to the 200 year old process and tradition of French porcelain painting, the artist mixes each paint color which comes in powder form, with special oils to achieve the various desired shades of color. Then the artistic effort begins by applying the paint to the porcelain, one color at-a-time. Since the paints used on porcelain are minerals that must be fired at various temperatures, The Limoges receives a firing at a different temperature (between 800 to 1200 degrees Centigrade). This process is quite a lengthy one as with each firing, the porcelain has to completely cool down before the next color can be applied. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for visiting my closet. 💐