Car Rental in Limoges

Limoges is often called the cradle of fire arts; such an unusual name is due to the fact that in the Middle Ages the most original and unique types of crafts have flourished in the city. One of them is production of pitted enamel. In the 15th century, local enamellers have made dishes and decorations of incredible beauty. Traders from different countries came here in search of outlandish product that hadn’t been found in any other city in the world. Masters decorated with enamel their candlesticks, boxes, dishes and even book bindings. Portraits and paintings with biblical motifs that literally valued its weight in gold were works of art. Outlandish craft glorified Limoges. Today, crafts of famous artists can be seen in well-known museums of Paris.

The process of enamel production was called a fire craft, because it requires the use of high temperatures. To create elaborate patterns masters had to smelt copper and colored glass, which are then filled with special notches on different products. This technique allows not only the finest work, but also makes products resistant to damage. Enamel made by high temperatures has been very solid, so crafts could remain intact for many centuries.

Enamel production has flourished until the 18th century, and then gave way to other unique craft, making porcelain. This activity also falls into the category of fire crafts, so it has further strengthened the status of the city. The emergence of crafts was associated with a deposit of special white clay that has been found in the immediate vicinity of Limoges in the second half of the 18th century. Locals didn’t figure out the secret of the unique clay immediately and initially used it as a regular soap for washing clothes.
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