Among these extraordinary creations was Le Présentoir à Secrets—“The Display Case with Secrets”—crafted by Ludwig Vogelgesang, a cabinetmaker of exceptional refinement and precision. A Maître d’art since 2010, Vogelgesang is celebrated for his meticulous restoration of Art Deco furniture by masters such as Ruhlmann, Groult, and Franck, and for his ability to translate timeless elegance into contemporary form. His collaboration with Guerlain resulted in a sculptural object that perfectly bridges luxury design and poetic craftsmanship.
The Présentoir takes the shape of a precious cylindrical cabinet, combining two sumptuous materials: ivory-toned shagreen and brown rosewood. The contrast between these textures—one soft and luminous, the other dark and deeply grained—creates a visual harmony evocative of Guerlain’s own dual mastery of lightness and depth in perfumery. Across its façade, rosewood inlays trace the geometric precision of honeycombs, a direct homage to the bees that have symbolized Guerlain since 1853. This motif, both architectural and organic, suggests the structure of a hive and the quiet industry of the artisans who dedicate their lives to beauty.
Hidden within the cabinet’s smooth surface are discreet drawers, each one fitted with tiny, sculpted bees that serve as handles—delightful details that invite touch and discovery. True to its name, Le Présentoir à Secrets conceals treasures within, a private world of mystery and refinement. Two carved friezes, like delicate crowns, encircle the base and top of the piece, lending it a regal grace. At its summit rests the one-litre imperial Bee Bottle, elevated on a radiant shagreen tray like a queen upon her throne—a fitting centerpiece for a creation that celebrates both Guerlain’s royal past and its enduring artistry.
Displayed from December 10, 2013, to February 14, 2014, at the Maison Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées, Le Présentoir à Secrets stood alongside the other masterpieces in the commemorative collection. Beyond its aesthetic splendor, the project served a noble purpose: the proceeds supported the “Maîtres d’art – Students” initiative, a program dedicated to preserving rare crafts by fostering the transmission of knowledge between masters and apprentices under the auspices of the INMA.
Through Le Présentoir à Secrets, Guerlain and Vogelgesang together created something more than a display for perfume—it is a vessel of memory, devotion, and the living continuity of French artistry, where the spirit of craftsmanship and the poetry of scent intertwine seamlessly.
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