Tiffany & Co. by Elsa Peretti Gold Lacquered Bamboo Tassel Minaudière Bag, 1990s

Elsa Peretti is an Italian jewelry designer that has had international acclaim in the world of fashion jewelry. Having designed jewelry for designers Halston and Giorgio di Saint Angelo, her designs have also graced the likes of Liza Minelli. Perhaps most notably is Peretti’s work at Tiffani & Co., having designed over thirty collections for the notorious jewelry company since her start in 1974.

Peretti’s designs tend to highlight seductive organic forms, yet this 1990s square, bamboo minaudiere, according to Peretti herself, was inspired by her “first trip to Japan in 1969” and “the speed and technology of a train from Tokyo to Kyoto and the exquisite craftsmanship of the things she saw.

This minaudière is made from bamboo and woven by distinguished Japanese basketry artists. The woven bamboo has then been lacquered in 24-karat gold while the hinges, clasp, and handle are coated sterling silver. The weaving technique creates a chevron motif that makes up a concentric square design overall. The almost Art Deco features speak undertones of 1920s and 30s design that marry with the artesian Japanese weaving.

Attached to the handle is a black silk tassel that speaks to Peretti’s orientalist influence. Despite the rather basic formal design, craftsmanship is center stage with this piece, and because it no longer in production it is a highly collectable item, so much so that the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has the platinum variation of this bag in their collection.

Measurements:

Length, width, height: 5 inches square

Depth: 1.5 inches

Silk rope and tassel: 19 inches

The interior of this bag is lined with a black silk. Throughout, several imprints point towards the heightened quality of this bag. On the clasp, the Tiffany & Co. imprint is present alongside Peretti’s signature and a demarcation of its Japanese origin.

While it does have a wiry handle, the braided black roped tassel allows for this bag to also be worn as a high-profile wristlet. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.