This particular presentation, La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles (“The Bird and Bee Cage”), was crafted by Nelly Saunier, a distinguished plumassier of the 2008 class of Maîtres d’art. Saunier’s expertise in ornamental plumes and feather artistry elevates this work into a realm of almost surreal beauty. The piece takes the form of the iconic Abeille bottle but is enveloped in a delicate golden cage, within which a mesmerizing feather marquetry is perfectly inlaid into precisely chiselled metal cutouts. The interplay of matte and iridescent feathers, along with subtle contrasts of light and shadow, creates a living sense of movement and depth, as though the feathers themselves might flutter at any moment.
Peering through the openwork dome, one discovers a small silky, feathery nest, carefully cradling the bee bottle as if it were a delicate bird poised to take flight. The visual poetry of the composition evokes both nature and elegance, symbolizing freedom, fragility, and the precious care with which Guerlain approaches its art. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the piece also embodies Guerlain’s commitment to sustaining artisanal excellence: the proceeds from this creation support the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, which ensures that these rare, exceptional skills continue to be passed down to future generations under the guidance of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). The result is a work that is simultaneously a celebration of heritage, technical mastery, and the imagination of its creator—a true jewel of modern perfumery artistry.
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