The top decorated with a gold motif set with single-cut diamonds, opening to reveal a mirror, a powder compact, a lighter, a gold and tortoiseshell comb, three compartments for powder, cigarettes and lipstick, and a watch on the side of the vanity case, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered, French assay and maker's marks, fitted case stamped Van Cleef & Arpels. 

Cf.: Evelyne Possémé (dir.), Van Cleef & Arpels. The Art of High Jewelry, Paris, 2012, pgs. 41, 82-87, and pg. 85 for a gold, lacquer and diamond minaudière. 

Cf.: Liesel Couvreur-Schieffer (dir.), Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, 1992.

 

Potential bidders who intend to export this lot are advised that certain permits may be required for export. If you are interested in this lot, please contact the Jewellery Department before bidding. Vanity case signed La Minaudière de Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered 42559; lighter signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered 42588. Watch dial signed Van Cleef & Arpels. French maker's mark for Van Cleef & Arpels. French assay mark for 18 carat gold. Loss and damages to the enamel. Diamonds bright and lively, estimated to weigh a total of approximately 2.50 - 3.50 carats. Total gross weight approximately 535 grams. Fitted case signed Van Cleef & Arpels 22 place Vendôme Paris.
"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."

Throughout the 1930s, the haute jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels developed new techniques and designs, which encountered great success. An exemple of this novelty is the inimitable minaudière, a word only used by Van Cleef & Arpels to characterise this innovative vanity case which was meant to replace women’s evening bags. The idea was inspired by Florence Jay Gould, one of Van Cleef & Arpels most notable clients, when Charles Arpels, one night, noticed that she stuffed all of her items, such as a powder compact, lipstick, lighter, into her Lucky Strike cigarette packet. Alfred Van Cleef named it the “Minaudière” in tribute to his wife, Estelle Arpels, who was said to whimper (minauder) obligingly.

This model contains all the original items: a powder compact, a lighter, a comb and a waᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚtch.