IPBA 25th Anniversary Bottle 2013

In 2013, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the International Perfume Bottle Association (IPBA), Guerlain created an exquisite limited-edition Shalimar bee bottle, produced exclusively for the association’s milestone year. Only twenty examples of this commemorative edition were made, each one presented as a gift to select IPBA members. The bottle chosen for this occasion was the iconic Abeille flacon, or bee bottle—a timeless symbol of Guerlain’s heritage that has graced the house’s perfumes since 1853.

For this anniversary creation, Guerlain selected the familiar white bee bottle, an elegant, milk-glass interpretation of the original design. The bottle’s rounded shoulders and embossed bees—emblems of the French Empire—were subtly accented by a gilded necklace adorned with lapis lazuli cabochon pendants, which drape gracefully around the neck. The rich blue of the lapis stones contrasts beautifully with the luminous white surface of the glass and the gleaming gold of the necklace, evoking a sense of refined luxury and regal restraint. Around the bottle’s body, a shiny gold foil label marks the occasion, elegantly inscribed to commemorate the IPBA’s 25 years of success in promoting education, collecting, and camaraderie among perfume bottle enthusiasts around the world.

This 2013 creation is nearly identical to the 2012 collector’s edition “Imperial Bijoux de Shalimar,” which also featured the same bejeweled adornment of lapis cabochons and gilded chainwork. However, the IPBA anniversary edition stands apart as a true rarity, not made available for public purchase. Its exclusivity and limited production of only twenty pieces make it one of the most desirable modern commemorative bottles for collectors of both Guerlain and perfume bottle history.

The International Perfume Bottle Association, founded in 1988, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of perfume bottles and related vanity items across all eras—from ancient vessels to contemporary flacons. The association is guided by an elected Board of Directors, all of whom serve as volunteers, reflecting the passion and community spirit that define the organization. The IPBA’s mission extends beyond collecting: it fosters education, research, and fellowship, serving as a resource for identification, historical context, and manufacturing details of perfume bottles and vanity items.

Its members—collectors and dealers from across the United States and abroad—represent a wide range of interests within this diverse field. Their collections may include Victorian scent bottles, Art Nouveau and Art Deco atomizers, Czech glass, American and French commercial bottles, miniatures, art glass creations, and whimsical novelty designs. Many members also collect related vanity items such as powder compacts, lipstick cases, purses, and dresser accessories, recognizing the broader artistry of the toilette table.

The IPBA’s 25th Anniversary Shalimar bottle thus stands as a fitting tribute—not only to Guerlain’s enduring artistry and the timeless elegance of the bee bottle but also to the dedication of a community that celebrates the cultural and historical legacy of perfume bottles. A shimmering synthesis of heritage and craftsmanship, this limited edition symbolizes the union of perfume as art and collecting as devotion, echoing the spirit of the IPBA’s founders and the passion of collectors worldwide.

To learn more about the IPBA, please click HERE for more information.