The ever so chic Maison Gerard in New York has teamed up with 1stdibs to present and offer an incredible private collection of decorative boxes by Line Vautrin (1913-1997) that make the perfect holiday gift.  As you know, her magnificent mirrors make me weak in the knees and I’ve discussed them in a post last year.  But that was then.  This is now.

Vautrin had a wicked sense of humor that she instilled into her creations.  Her cigarette cases, boxes and compacts often have hidden double entendres – for example the above paperweight in gilt bronze is called La Jalousie, a play on the French word which obviously means jealousy, but also refers to the type of blinds from behind which the figure (perhaps a jealous paramour?) peers at us.  Witty, non?

A tray for the desk or side table?  This one, Antagonismes, is inscribed with opposites – day and night; moving and rest; male and female; more and less – but knowing Vautrin, she is probably alluding to the fact that opposites attract, n’est pas?

For the dog lover, a paperweight in gilt bronze – still manages to remain useful even in our digital age.  You can always find use for a beautiful object, and as in most of Vautrine’s production, there is the charming hidden message: the dog’s name is Rien, and dogs are called toutou in casual parlance, so when spoken you say tout ou rien – all or nothing!

Le Soleil, this fab sunburst bowl would look amazing placed on a stack of books in a library.  It also reminds me of the mirrors I covet.  Très chic et très utile!

And not to forget the ladies, Vautrin also made jewelry and compacts in gilt bronze that are objects in their own right and are perfect little sculptures.  Por Toi Mon Amour (above) is a little gem and takes it’s name from the poem by Jacques Prévert written in rings on the cover.  And another, L’échiquier (below) would be its perfect complement to pair up on a side table – the wonderful patterns are so textural and playful.

There are 100 pieces to choose from over on 1stdibs, but I urge you to hurry as they are selling quickly. I don’t want disappointed faces come Christmas day!

image credits: Maison Gerard, New York

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PS: Thank you for stopping by and reading my feature today.  I love what I do as an interior designer and art advisor, and it’s my hope that through these blog posts I’m enriching and heightening your aesthetic sensibility towards art, design and fabulous interiors in some way ~ Richard Rabel (a.k.a. the modern sybarite)