Le Théâtre is a remarkable celebration of Guerlain’s 160-year heritage and the enduring elegance of the Abeille flacon. Created in 2013 as part of a series of exceptional presentations, it exemplifies the fusion of craftsmanship, artistry, and perfume culture that has long defined the House of Guerlain. For this project, nine of France’s most accomplished Maîtres d’art from the Institut National des Métiers d’Art were invited to create original works centered around a monumental one-litre Bee bottle, each artist given complete freedom to express their vision. The resulting pieces are extraordinary, one-of-a-kind masterpieces that elevate the perfume bottle to a sculptural and decorative work of art.
Crafted by Lison de Caunes, a Maître d’art of the 1998 class and granddaughter of renowned interior designer André Groult, Le Théâtre showcases her mastery of straw marquetry, a delicate and refined technique rarely seen in modern design. De Caunes has applied this centuries-old art form to a wooden shrine shaped in the silhouette of the iconic Bee bottle. In place of a traditional label, an opening suggests the proscenium of a classic theatre, inviting the eye into a stage of luxurious craftsmanship. The exterior is adorned in Empire blue straw, accented with stylized bees in embossed yellow straw, while a complementary version features yellow gold chiselled with blue festoons. Both finishes are carefully waxed, enhancing the natural shimmer of the materials and providing a luminous, tactile quality that seems to dance with the light.
Inside, the bottle is illuminated, highlighting the subtle, natural gleam of the straw marquetry and giving the piece an almost theatrical glow. The combination of light, color, and intricate patterning transforms the Bee bottle into a miniature stage, where artistry and scent meet in perfect harmony. Le Théâtre was displayed at the Maison Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées from December 10, 2013, to February 14, 2014, and further documented in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors photo and video exhibitions. Each creation in this series was made available for sale to support the Maîtres d’art – Students project, an initiative aimed at preserving rare artisanal skills by enabling master artists to mentor apprentices under the guidance of the INMA.
Through its meticulous craftsmanship and inventive design, Le Théâtre is not just a tribute to perfume, but a celebration of the artistry, heritage, and technical skill that define Guerlain’s legacy. The marriage of straw marquetry, woodwork, and light captures both the elegance of 18th-century techniques and the imaginative spirit of contemporary artistry, making it a true theatrical experience for the eyes and the imagination.
