Yesterday, 5:30, I was running 🏃♀️ to musee Cognacq-Jay before it closed.. always last minute. I turned into rue ElzevirThis Frenchie was walking towards me in the middle of rue Elzevir. Natch I shot her…then smiled inanely, sort of apologizing.
No response back of course… Anyone who says Parisians don’t have that certain “je ne sait quoi” is out of their minds imo. Even in these ridiculous voluminous pants. I saw the poster in the Metro. They like to threaten 🙀you with immediate closure. You feel pressured to run see the exhibit. Actually the show has been extended to 24 November. 300 small, precious 18th century objects…a sewing kit? This is a vinaigrette box?! Do you know what that is? A vinaigrette is a small box that was designed to hold an aromatic vinegar-soaked sponge intended to mask unpleasant odors. The box has an inner pierced lid, usually gilded to protect it from corrosion, which conceals the perfumed sponge.
Perhaps these asparagus boxes are also for delicate noses 👃 ? Exquisite objects (some encrusted with diamonds) They had separate pretty pockets you could attach. How clever. Quick! Bad news 😬 Bring the smelling salts. She is holding an open letter. Another case of bad news 📰 Or maybe a tummy ache 🤒 The need for boxes for snuff, bonbon boxes, rouge and beauty patch boxes, scent or smelling bottles, necessaires, chatelaines, opera glasses kept a craft industry thriving and innovative. Gold and silversmiths competed with each other. One does not like to think how they fared after the French revolution. The Cognac-Jay has a lovely courtyard with drinks where you can recuperate
Their windows loaded with similar overpriced nonessential bibelots…Not to forget this golden box of bonbons at nearby Chocolaterie du Puyricard 6, rue du Pont Louis-Phillip Ahhh…luxe temptation lurks everywhere in Paris doesn’t it 🤔
She might be a he:)You were brave to click straight on.
ReplyDeleteIt never occurred to me..and so what? Everyone is vain.
DeleteIf someone wanted to take my picture in the street I’d be thrilled to bits 🥰
That sewing kit! & the vinaigrette boxes are so cute! I want one of each!
ReplyDeleteThere was an adorable leek box but the picture was blurry. I was racing through the exhibition before they closed.
DeleteAnd I love the small sewing kits that hotels, airlines, etc gave out back in the day. No diamonds but somehow pragmatic and touching for one who loves the idea of hand sewing. Sally
ReplyDeleteSo very practical. Not the same 😬
DeleteI think the luxury items made in those times set a tone that the rest of Europe and the world were craving and set the standard for them that is still present. The finest perfumes, textiles, china ,flower vases, etc. Made in France stamped on things makes you want them even more! The craftsmanship of those tiny boxes is amazing and don't you wish you could have a few on your dresser?
ReplyDeleteYou were definitely getting the evil eye from that femme. You are very brave snapping away! It would be a hoot if she were to see your post. 👏🏻
ReplyDeleteVery interesting exhibit at Cognacq-Jay. France has such a long history of exquisite craftsmanship. So much to covet!
Enjoyed this latest newsletter Carol as I loved seeing the Luxe de Poche exhibit and I always seem to learn something new. (the vinaigrette small box designed to hold an aromatic vinegar-soaked sponge intended to mask unpleasant odors) You captured the lady in the street very well in your painting. I would have loved that shop with the pens and ink. -Suzanne P.
ReplyDeleteThe person you photographed is very elegant. Love that batwing/dolman sleeve!
ReplyDeleteYou captured her perfectly!!! I would be flattered too! But I would need the artist to paint a little less of me! Love ya!! ❤️🇨🇦
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