Round Black Limoges Box with Painted Roses

Roses glow against a deep black ground on this round porcelain box, a bold pairing that makes the flowers seem to step forward. This round Limoges box was painted entirely by hand in Limoges, France.

Blossoms After Dark

Most floral boxes rely on pale backgrounds, so a black ground immediately sets this one apart. The dark color sharpens every petal and gives the round shape a formal, evening feel. The roses are painted by hand, so the shading and placement vary slightly from box to box.

A Vanity Built on Contrast

• Hand-painted porcelain from Limoges, France
• Anchors a black and white or rose themed grouping
• Sets off lighter floral rounds when placed in the middle of a row

Roses for Every Occasion

Roses have long stood for love, which makes this a fitting choice for an anniversary, an engagement or Valentine's Day. It suits someone with a modern, monochrome home who still wants a touch of romance. A rose gardener who has everything may enjoy seeing the bloom in a new setting.

Kaolin, Fire and Brush

Limoges porcelain is hard-paste porcelain, fired at very high heat, which gives it the bright white body underneath the paint. After firing, color is applied by hand, and on a piece like this the black ground takes careful, even work. Place it on a mirrored tray, a glass shelf or a dark wood dresser.