Elsa Peretti 1981 For Tiffany Co Carved Rock Quartz Limited Edition Perfume Bottle
Perfume bottle designed by Elsa Peretti (1940-2021) for Tiffany & Co.
Exceptional piece of modern art, designed at the Tiffany Studios by Elsa Peretti. This rare perfume-scent bottle was made in a limited edition of only 1000 pieces, back in the 1981. It was carefully carved in Hong Kong from a single piece of translucent rock quartz with curved in shape to echo an sculptural bean, with separate stopper lid.
Manufacturing Process
This bottle was designed and made in 1981 to hold an eighth of an ounce of Elsa Peretti's perfume, which she had worked on for four years. One thousand examples were carved and numbered (this is no. 751) in conjunction with the launch of the perfume.
Peretti's hardstone carving is all done by Chinese carvers in Hong Kong. The Chinese have long excelled in the carving of hardstones. Peretti's scent-bottle echoes the Chinese hardstone snuff-bottle, made to be held in the hand, exquisitely decorated and highly prized in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Weight: 65.3 Grams, (41.86 Dwt) or 326.5 carats.
Measurements: 64 mm by 19 mm by 44 mm (2.51 x 0.75 x 1.75 Inches).
Hallmarks: Acid stamped and etched with the maker's mark, the edition number and signed, "TIFFANY PERETTI© 751".
Elsa Peretti, was a very famous designer that joined Tiffany & Co in the 1974 and change the complete role of diamonds and color gemstones in fashion for the everyday wear and elevating the status of the sterling silver jewelry. mostly using unusual gemstones and materials. all her creations are as modern today as ever.
Literature: Advertisement in the Los Angeles Times, November 29, 1981. Tiffany & Co. Blue Book for years 1981-1982, illustrated
Collections: The British Museum, London, UK. The Museum Of Modern Art (MOMA), NYC, United States. The Corning Museum Of Glass, NYC, United States.
Exhibitions and Awards: 2009 1 May-2010 31 Jan, London, BM, Room 2, 'Elsa Peretti: Jewellery and objects for Tiffany & Co. Premio award "Credere Nella Ricerca", 2010.
Note: Today you can purchase a similar one at Tiffany & Co., but is a re-issue of this work of art and is not numbered. At the time, the bottle was sold with a half-ounce of pure perfume created just for this purpose. Information about the actual scent is hard to come by; apparently it was a blend of florals, spices, and vetiver, but that’s a very general description, of course. Various news stories noted the high price ($450) of this set, but some also admitted that you were buying a piece of modern design rather than a typical perfume bottle. According to the British Museum, where one of these bottles is on display, artisans in Hong Kong were commissioned to carve these bottles, each out of a single piece of rock. These artisans were chosen because they specialize in carving hardstone.
Note: Look carefully the central form, is a teardrop shape. She use that silhouette to her friend Halston for his perfume bottle design in the early 1970's shortly before she began at Tiffany.
Collateral: It is accompanied by the designer's presentation pouchette.
Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, this bottle has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D092622EMCY/.1110
