Sailboat on an Oval Porcelain Limoges Box

A sailboat glides across the top of this oval porcelain box, sails up and ready for open water. This is a hand-painted Limoges box made in Limoges, France, with a classic nautical subject on a graceful oval form.

Fair Winds on an Oval

The oval shape gives the boat a long horizon to sail along, which suits the subject well. Sailboats bring to mind lazy summer afternoons, a light breeze and the sound of water against the hull. It is a quiet, calm image, more harbor at sunset than racing regatta.

Harbor Mates

• Hand-painted porcelain from Limoges, France
• Belongs in a nautical, sailing or beach house collection
• Groups well with lighthouse, anchor and seashell boxes

For Sailors and Shore Dwellers

This sailboat is a fitting present for a new boat owner, a yacht club friend, or a couple retiring to the coast. Lake house owners like it as much as seaside cottage dwellers. Set it on a captain's desk, a guest room dresser in a beach rental or a bookshelf beside a ship in a bottle.

Shaped by Fire, Finished by Hand

Limoges boxes are typically painted by hand after the white porcelain comes out of the kiln, with their metal mounts fitted by hand as well.