Comprising: a rectangular bag covered in woven cream silk cord, to a square plaque clasp set with cabochon turquoise, rose-cut diamonds and black enamel, opening to reveal a main compartment with several side pockets, measurements approximately length 250mm, width 140mm, depth from 18mm to 50mm, signed Morabito Paris; and a rectangular bag covered in gold silk brocade depicting hunting scenes on elephants, to a clasp set with black enamel, coral and rose-cut diamonds, opening to reveal a main compartment with several side pockets, measurements approximately length 250mm, width 140mm, depth from 12mm to 35mm, signed Morabito Paris.



 

Cf : Marguerite de Cerval, Dictionnaire International du Bijou, Paris, Editions du Regard, 1998, page 377

Elephant scene bag: Coral closure damaged, cracked and loss to black enamel. Otherwise condition as viewed. All clients interested in the above lot are advised to satisfy themselves as to the condition of the above lot through first hand inspection.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Jean-Baptiste Morabito was born in 1885; he studied i🅠n Rome opening his first shop in Nice in 1905.  His workshop created pieces using organic materials including coral and mother-of-pearl.  After acquiring certain notoriety, he became the supplier of jewels European Aristocracy including the courts of Sweden, Yugoslavia and Russia and International high society including Daisy Fellowes who vacationed in the Côte d'Azur.

The Morabito name has been associated with perfumes, leather goods, including trunks and vanity cases and after the Second World War launching the first line of bags with shoulder-ꦏstraps.

Circa 1910 Morabito began to create elegant clutch bags embellished with jewels selecting the finest👍 materials.  In 1921 the first French boutique was opened on the Rue du Fabuourg-Saint-Honoré.  Trunks and luggage and other creations in leather were added to th🍸e repertoire made of materials such as elephant, deer and crocodile.  He became famous internationally as a specialist in using tortoiseshell. 

Armand Morabito took over the commercial direction of the business in 1926.  The company expanded and gained a reputation for its handbags, their clasps were de♓corated with tortoiseshell, using precious metals and some set with precious stones.

In 1957, a shop at 1 Place Vendome was opened.

In the 60s when Marilyn Monroe wanted a travelling vanity case, Morabito deꦐsigned the Orsay bag.

Jacques Morabito, the grandson of the founder, joined the group in 1977.
In 1993, Xavier de Fra💧issinette a ꦰBeaux-arts graduate, sculptor and designer was given the role of artistic director.

In 1996 a new salesroom was opened on the Avenue George V, at the hear🐟t of the fashion quarter.  Now there is ওa boutique back on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré not far from where the original shop was in the early 1920s.