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 🥰
No what..lol I was just saying the person could be a man.I do not care one bit.I would hate someone to take my pic on the street w/out my permission.Just saying:)
DeleteThat 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?
ReplyDeleteI do have a tiny perfume bottle inside it’s own tiny porcelain box…
DeleteYou 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!
Agreed 😂 I put her on Instagram too! Word out. Still she wasn’t hiding under a paper bag…🤔
DeleteEnjoyed 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.
ReplyDelete❤️ Mélodies Graphiques is addictive. You would love it.
DeleteThe person you photographed is very elegant. Love that batwing/dolman sleeve!
ReplyDeleteBatwing/dolman sleeves…a thing of the past! ❤️
DeleteYou captured her perfectly!!! I would be flattered too! But I would need the artist to paint a little less of me! Love ya!! ❤️🇨🇦
ReplyDeleteThat includes all of us 🤣
DeleteYou might enjoy reading about "chatelaines," which were a collection of small necessaries, keys, and simple tools (such as your sewing kit above) that the mistress or housekeeper of the household would carry on her person … in her pocket. Some chatelaines were a brooch to which were fastened these small useful items. Such an interesting visit with you to Luxe des poches!
ReplyDeleteAh yes of course…kind of a chaine belt with essential things hanging of it..
DeleteMine would have Scott Tape, ✂️ , metal ruler, grapefruit spoon 🥄, kitchen knife 🔪 Hmmm…what else? I lose things all the time at home. A brill idea!! 👏
CAROL...I LOVE COGNACQ-JAY! 18TH C....OOH LA LA !
ReplyDeleteJACQELYN IN BAY AREA, CA.
MERCI !
It is a Very special museum for special people ❤️
DeleteBonjour Carol
ReplyDeleteWill we see more bears ? I just was looking at older posts and love ALL your bear water colors that I have come across from polar bears to Chef Bears love love love 💗🐻💗🐻💗🇫🇷🗼🎨
The Cognac Jay Museum was /is one of my favorite museums.
ReplyDeleteLove the sewing kit - would love have it. The detachable pockets, do you know if they were French? I have been studying some from the V&A and made myself a pair. I would love to see some French ones and compare them to the British ones I don't wear mine under my skirt though - they are far too labour intensive to hide away 😊. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteEverything in the show is French craftsmanship 🇫🇷
Delete