Palm Beach Modern Auctions
Live Auction

Luxe - Accessories, Jewelry & Sterling Silver

Thu, Dec 1, 2022 12:00PM EST
Lot 158

Lalique "Clairefontaine" Perfume Bottle

Estimate: $200 - $300

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Lalique
Marking(s); notes: signed, marking(s)
Country of origin; materials: France; glass
Dimensions (H, W, D): 4.75"h, 4"w, 2.25"d
Additional Information: Provenance: Collection of Henry Antonio Torres, San Antonio, Texas. Reference: Lalique, Marie-Claude Lalique, pg. 336.

Where there are gowns, there are updos...

Stylist Henry Antonio Torres (1950-2021) was a legend among the San Antonio, Texas Fiesta royalty. The annual cultural festival is known for its parades culminating in the crowning of a queen, princess and duchesses of the festivities. For more than twenty-five years of his fifty-year career, those who could book him - often a year in advance - wore a Henry Torres updo to the Fiesta pre-parties, parades and of course, the Coronation gala. Many became lifelong clients and friends who went to him for routine appointments as well as all the important events in their lives. He was especially sought-after for weddings.

Torres' friends remember his intellect, sharp wit and love of life. Aside from San Antonio society life, Henry was a passionate gardener and collector of antiques and art, most especially perfumes.

Glittering crystal with ornate daubers, a spectrum of bejeweled atomizers, tassels and giant-scale factices filled display cabinets lining the walls of his home. A closer look reveals coveted names among beautiful people and beautiful things: Van Cleef & Arpels, Lalique, Versace, Daum, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Niki de Saint Phalle, Givenchy among others. The Henry Antonio Torres collection is offered in this auction as curated groupings related by designer, theme or origin. Much more than utilitarian, the collection offers a unique window into both glassmaking and beauty marketing through the 20th century.

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Suggested reading:
Henry Torres' 2021 obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sanantonio/name/henry-torres-obituary?pid=198247898
About Fiesta, the San Antonio, Texas cultural event commemorating the Battle of the Alamo: https://fiestasanantonio.org/

Fall/Winter 2022 Auction Schedule
- Thu. 12.1.22: LUXE - Branded Luxury Boutique Auction
- Sat. 12.3.22: Modern & Contemporary Art + Design
- Sat. 1.21.23: UCA - Pop & Urban Culture Auction
- Now consigning: February 2023 Modern & Contemporary Art + Design

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Condition

very good, no liquid contents, no chips or cracks

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