Le Présentoir à Secrets c2013

Le Présentoir à Secrets - was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.

The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online.

Ludwig Vogelgesang, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. A cabinet maker  who specialised in the discerning restoration of luxurious antique Art Deco furniture, originally designed by such notables as Ruhlman, Groult, Franck. His exquisite taste and astute style is sought after not only by renowned interior designers, galleries and museums, but by discriminating private collectors as well.

From Guerlain:

“Le Présentoir à Secrets” (“The Display Case with Secrets”) 

This precious cylindrical sculpture unites two luxurious materials: ivory shagreen and brown rosewood. On its façade, the rare wood traces and outlines the honeycombs. A few small and painstakingly sculpted bees act as clever handles for hidden drawers that can be used to hide one’s treasures. Like crowns, two carved friezes adorn the base and top of this delicate piece. The imperial bottle reigns from the top of the case on a radiant shagreen tray.

La Malle de Voyage - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

La Malle de Voyage - was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.

The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online.

Serge Amoruso, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. This skilled leather craftsman and designer is a prominent specialist of rare and precious hides, who gained experience at Hermès in the training of the finest historical leather-making techniques. Using this traditional knowledge, he has since focused his talent on making pieces as whimsical as they are ostentatious, such as an alligator-lined scooter or genuinely exclusive tailor-made creations.

From Guerlain:

“La Malle de Voyage” (“The Travel Trunk”) 

An artistic trunk presented in two identical pieces, like a lightning-shaped split or a single-use broken mould. Its covering features the rarest and noblest materials: red Morocco leather and parchment stamped with the imprint of the bottle on the interior, midnight blue shagreen and, in contrast, carbon fibre on the exterior. An unusual combination that transforms this work into a surprising and contemporary sculpture, whose highlight is a piece of meteorite that opens the doors of time.

La Ruche Imperiale - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

La Ruche Impériale- was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.


The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online.

Laurent Nogues, Maître d’art – Class of 2011. This founder of the Creanog studio is the preeminent artist in the sector of embossing, hot-stamping and insets on paper. He fabricates labels for affluent brands and highly respected institutions.

From Guerlain:

“La Ruche Impériale” (“The Imperial Hive”) 

A graphic art version of the honeycombs that make up the hive. This precious honeycomb-shaped case is just waiting to be opened and unfolded to reveal the innovation and splendour of paper transformed through embossing. It is composed of six panels lined with white paper embossed with a tone-on-tone honeycomb motif. On closer view, one notices an optical illusion on the central stamp that represents the legendary bottle. The development of specific tools and a very singular embossing technique allow for a complex, tailor-made geometry for endless effects of light with striking definition.

La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles - was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.


The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online.

 Nelly Saunier, Maître d’art – Class of 2008. This distinguished plumassier, takes her experience of preparing and working with ornamental plumes and feathers to new highs, with a masterful sense of color and volume. 

From Guerlain:

“La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles” (“The Bird and Bee Cage”) 

Taking up the form of the iconic bottle, a golden structure reveals delicate feather marquetry that embraces the chiselled metal. The feather decoration fitted into the extremely precise cut-outs is stunning. With an effect of colours and contrasts, matt and iridescent variations between light and dark areas, the effect is mesmerising. Through the openwork dome, one can glimpse a silky, feathery nest on which the Bee bottle is perched, like a bird ready to take flight into lyricism.

Le Trouble d’Eugénie - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

Le Trouble d’Eugénie- was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.

The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online.

Emmanuel Barrois, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. This talented glass architect works on varied projects, from the monumental to the smaller-scaled creations, always trying to exceed the most limited of possibilities. These adept glassmaking concepts, backed by an extreme technical, prospective and futuristic vision, range from the Beijing Opera to the next canopy of the future Forum des Halles in Paris, measuring almost 30,000 square metres.

“Le Trouble d’Eugénie” (“Eugénie’s Confusion”) 

“Eugénie will be crowned Empress in just a matter of hours. As she is getting ready, the bottle drops. The fragrance spills out in absolute shapes. She loses herself in the dark reflections of this sparkling pool. Blood pounds through her temples. She sees something. It’s time. She is caught in a breath…” The transparent bottle has been knocked over on an opaque black glass tray. Splashes of fragrance in singular and crystal-clear shapes stand out against the unfathomable base. This enigmatic mise en abîme is both illusion and realism. Through this piece, a drama takes form, echoing the destiny of the Empress Eugénie. Movement comes face to face with suspended time."

L’Envolée - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

L’Envolée - was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.

The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online.

Etienne Rayssac, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. This accomplished woodcarver and ornamental craftsman, at first, sketches his inventive designs and then fabricates prototypes in plaster before carving the final sculpture. His proficiency in woodworking has made him well respected and sought after to create decorative elements, for use on buildings classified as historical monuments and contemporary pieces alike.

From Guerlain:

“L’Envolée” (“The Flight”) 

Draped pale sycamore wood partially envelops the levitating Bee bottle, making it evanescent. The work suggests incredible energy and the effect of curves and dips perfectly captures the light. Only hand craftsmanship with special chisels and scrapers makes it possible to alternate the flow of volumes and the sharpness of edges. The exterior design is delicately sculpted and echoes the intensity of the bottle and the richness of its intrinsic ornamentation.

L’Œuf Surprise - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

L’Œuf Surprise - was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.


The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online

Fabrice Gohard, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. This highly skilled ornamental gilder learned the familial trade from his father. His lavish water and oil gilding adorn woodwork, balconies and gates. But his superb expertise is also featured on the opulent façades of the Château de Versailles, the magnificent dome of the Invalides and the respendent flame of the Statue of Liberty.

From Guerlain:

“L’Œuf Surprise” (“The Surprise Egg”)

Like a Fabergé, this is a majestic egg in blown glass whose gold-leaf gilding brings to mind an eggshell that has just been broken: an allegory of the imperial genesis, the bottle and its scent. Inside the object, the Bee bottle is enhanced and shimmers in the lustre of gold. The exquisite refinement of this egg shape is ensured by a floral design painted inside the shell, delivering its secrets to only the most curious of onlookers. Its grace and femininity pay a lovely tribute to the beauty of the Empress Eugénie.

The nine exclusive works of art will be on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and will be showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA).

Le Theatre - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

 Le Theatre - was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

 Le Theatre - was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.


Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.

The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online.


Lison de Caunes, Maître d’art – Class of 1998. Interior designer André Groult's talented granddaughter has rekindled the skillful art of straw marquetry, a decorative element which she particularly uses to create au courant furniture and wall coverings.

From Guerlain:

“Le Théâtre” (“The Theatre”) 

A wooden shrine in the shape of the Bee bottle. In the place of the label, an opening suggests the proscenium of a classic theatre. The interior and exterior feature straw marquetry: the first in an Empire blue sprinkled with stylised bees in embossed yellow straw, following the delicate 18th-century technique, and the second in yellow gold chiselled with blue festoons, all with a waxed finish. The interior is lit, accentuating the natural shimmer of the straw and giving a dazzling effect to the bottle, decorated with a straw marquetry label.

L'Habit de Fete - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

L'Habit de Fete - was one of several special bottle designs created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.

The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online.

A sought after specialist in luxurious gold thread embroidery, Sylvie Deschamps painstakingly hand created a sumptuous haute couture "party dress", the l'habit de fete,  of the highest quality, that encases the bottle.

From Guerlain:

“L’Habit de Fête” (“The Festive Attire”) 

A covering designed as an imperial coronation robe. The festoons of the dome and 69 bees are embroidered in a raised pattern with 24-carat varnished gold cannetille thread on a white organza sheath. The wings are made of gold leaf and gold powder was sprinkled between the bees to represent pollen. The label is embroidered following the principles of the art of heraldry: the imperial crown and bee on a shield over crossed swords, as well as two dates recalling the 160th anniversary. For the finishing details: the iconic bottle neck is wrapped in gold thread, using the technique of the Guerlain “Dames de Tables” craftswomen. In addition, the stopper, dressed in organza, is finely embroidered with a majestic Queen Bee, who reigns proudly over the piece.