ANTIQUE RARE 20thC LOUIS VUITTON "MALLE FLEURS" TRUNK IN MONOGRAM CANVAS, FRANCE
An extremely rare “malle fleurs“, or “flower trunk“ made by Louis Vuitton in the 1920s. These items are one of the rarest of trunks in circulation. Gaston Louis Vuitton had a company policy whereby no discounts were given. However in order to keep his most loyal VIP customers happy he created what is known as the flower trunk (or malle fleurs) in 1910. It was a miniature trunk constructed almost entirely of card/paper with leather detailing, canvas, wood slays and brass locks. It is understood that these trunks were presented with flowers inside and would include a small zinc tray that would protect the miniature trunk from the water of the flowers. The recipient of the gift would then have the opportunity to ask Louis Vuitton to transform the trunk into a sewing box, jewellery box or cigarette case. They were made in very small numbers and due to the fragility and size very few from that period have lasted to this day, especially in such great condition. A truly collectible piece, certain of appreciating in value.
Reference Number: B10577
An extremely rare “malle fleurs“, or “flower trunk“ made by Louis Vuitton in the 1920s. These items are one of the rarest of trunks in circulation. Gaston Louis Vuitton had a company policy whereby no discounts were given. However in order to keep his most loyal VIP customers happy he created what is known as the flower trunk (or malle fleurs) in 1910. It was a miniature trunk constructed almost entirely of card/paper with leather detailing, canvas, wood slays and brass locks. It is understood that these trunks were presented with flowers inside and would include a small zinc tray that would protect the miniature trunk from the water of the flowers. The recipient of the gift would then have the opportunity to ask Louis Vuitton to transform the trunk into a sewing box, jewellery box or cigarette case. They were made in very small numbers and due to the fragility and size very few from that period have lasted to this day, especially in such great condition. A truly collectible piece, certain of appreciating in value.
Reference Number: B10577
An extremely rare “malle fleurs“, or “flower trunk“ made by Louis Vuitton in the 1920s. These items are one of the rarest of trunks in circulation. Gaston Louis Vuitton had a company policy whereby no discounts were given. However in order to keep his most loyal VIP customers happy he created what is known as the flower trunk (or malle fleurs) in 1910. It was a miniature trunk constructed almost entirely of card/paper with leather detailing, canvas, wood slays and brass locks. It is understood that these trunks were presented with flowers inside and would include a small zinc tray that would protect the miniature trunk from the water of the flowers. The recipient of the gift would then have the opportunity to ask Louis Vuitton to transform the trunk into a sewing box, jewellery box or cigarette case. They were made in very small numbers and due to the fragility and size very few from that period have lasted to this day, especially in such great condition. A truly collectible piece, certain of appreciating in value.
Reference Number: B10577
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A brief history about Louis Vuitton trunks: Louis Vuitton was born in 1821 to a farmer and milliner and came from a long-established working-class family in eastern France. Vuitton grew up understanding the effects of perseverance and a strong work ethic from watching his family. At the age of 16, he made the decision to walk 292 miles from his hometown to Paris to try and make a new life for himself. When he arrived the city was in the midst of industrialization with current modes of transportation evolving quickly allowing for longer journeys. With this came the need for sturdy travel pieces. Vuitton was taken as an apprentice for a successful box maker and packer named Monsieur Marechal. He learned to craft durable containers and how to pack them properly – a well-respected profession at the time. In 1854, years after he had mastered his craft and became well respected for it, Vuitton ventured out on his own to open a shop on Rue Neuve des Capucines. It was here that he began to establish himself as a luggage maker. Then, in 1858, Vuitton designed the first Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. At the time trunks had rounded tops to allow for water to run off but this did not allow for convenient stowage. Vuitton introduced a flat, yet waterproof, trunk that was easily stackable.
The first of his trunks were outfitted with a grey canvas referred to as Trianon – it wouldn’t be until several decades later that the signature monogram would be introduced. With a burgeoning business, Vuitton moved his family and workplace to Asniere, where he employed twenty workers to craft his trunks. By 1900 he would have 100 employees, and in 1914 the company would more than double in size. After years of success, Vuitton began to experiment with the design of his luggage by introducing a new striped canvas pattern (1876) and later the still well-known Damier print (1888). The hand-painted patterns were developed to prevent counterfeits. Even in the late 1800s, Louis Vuitton was enough of a status symbol to warrant counterfeiting. In 1886, his son George invented and patented an ingenious locking system that made it impossible to pick the lock of their trunks. This lock is still used today. 1892 would prove to be a time of mourning for the family as Louis Vuitton passed away at the age of 70. His son, Georges Vuitton, became the new head of the luxury house. Louis Vuitton’s passing would prompt his son to once again change the print of their luggage, and in 1896, to honour his father, the signature LV monogram was introduced and patterned with LVs, quatrefoils, and flowers. Under his direction success followed and the iconic monogram rose to fame among elite clientele.
CONDITION
In good overall condition. Some minor blemishes. Please refer to photographs.
SIZE
Height: 11 cm // 4.33 inches
Width: 28 cm // 11.02 inches
Depth: 14.5 cm // 5.71 inches
