The Art of Perfume: Discovering and Collecting Perfume Bottles [Paperback]

Christie Mayer Lefkowith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1998

Comprising a detailed chronological history of the perfume bottle from around 1850 to 1950, this book contains photographs of some of the most striking designs created in those years, highlighting details of their craftsmanship. The text outlines the historical and social background to their creation, and an A-Z reference section lists over 500 major perfumers, designers and glassmakers.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The hundreds of containers illustrated here, which are from the author's own collection, date from the beginning of the 20th century through the 1950s. In the art of perfumery, scent is not the only allure. As the author points out in this detailed history, serious attention is also given to the selection of a name (which carries its own cachet), the design of the label, the bottle, the stopper, ornaments that might be affixed to it, and the box in which it is packaged. Often, this multimedia art form represents the work of well-known artists, designers, and couturiers. Although this book does not give advice on how to collect perfume bottles-which some readers might consider a drawback-it does contain a directory of hundreds of designers (past and present) with their addresses, a brief history of each firm, and the names of some of their best-known products. This would be an attractive addition to most libraries.
Margarete Gross, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

By the time someone documents and publishes the history and artistry of a particular collectible, chances are that prices will be in the decidedly nonaffordable range. Be that as it may, Lefkowith concentrates on the first 60 years of this century, chronicling the effects of fashion, architecture, and art on the development of perfume bottles. All of the creations echo well-known design influences, including art nouveau and art deco. Offering many black-and-white and color photographs, this is a fascinating education in the arts as seen through a glass lightly. Barbara Jacobs --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500280444
• ISBN-13: 978-0500280447
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Bottles
  • #93 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Language Nonfiction > German

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, August 10, 1999

By 

Christel Jansen (Valkenswaard Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Perfume: Discovering and Collecting Perfume Bottles (Hardcover)

As an avid collector of advertisements and literature on perfume, this is the first book I always recommend to fellow collectors. In the past ten or twelve years, many books were published to cater to the exploding popularity of perfume bottles as a collectors item. Christie Lefkowith's book stands out because of its focus on the ART of perfume bottles (hence the title), rather than their monetary value. Bottles are viewed in the cultural context of their time, with photographs of by far THE best quality I have ever seen in perfume books. I agree with the previous reviewer, though: too bad the book ends with the fifties. There should be a sequel.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful history & refrence of bottles, July 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Perfume: Discovering and Collecting Perfume Bottles (Hardcover)

This book is lavished with the most magnificent perfume bottles and their pacaging. full color photos of Lalique, Baccarat, and other exquisite bottles along with the histories of the fragrance companies who commissioned them. There is also an index of these companies for quick refrence. I found the title missleading. the author is of the belief that the "art of perfume" died 30 years ago. All of the bottles are from the late 1800's to the 1960's and I feel that the title should have mentioned this. If you collect antique bottles or are looking for a good fragrance history book, this is a must.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very nice and interesting book, February 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Perfume: Discovering and Collecting Perfume Bottles (Hardcover)

I know that the writers are savvy perfume bottle collectors. They have incorporated years of experience into this book. That is the reason why that among all the books on this subject, this one is the most appealing. I have also used part of her materials (w/permission) to write my book (published in Chinese).