Lot 503

Richard Hudnut "Le Debut" Perfume Bottle and Pagoda Lighter

Estimate: $50 - $75

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: Richard Hudnut, ASR
Marking(s); notes: marking(s)
Country of origin; materials: USA, France; glass, metal
Dimensions (H, W, D): largest: 4.5"h, 2.25"w, .75"d
Additional Information: Lot includes a Richard Hudnut perfume bottle and an ASR lighter. Provenance: Collection of Henry Antonio Torres, San Antonio, Texas. Reference: (Le Debut) Reference: The Art of Perfume, Christie Mayer Lefkowith, pg. 132.

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.

---
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 2021 Auction Series
Saturday, November 6th: Modern + Contemporary Art & Design (Session I)
Saturday, November 6th: Editions & Photography (Session II)
Sunday, November 7th: Branded Luxury & The Henry Torres Collection (Session III)

Live previews begin October 25th, Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm ET. Please direct any questions and/or consignment inquiries to info@modernauctions.com.

Condition

very good, minor wear, patina to metal, no liquid contents, stopper of bottle is stuck and has roughness to edge, several minute nicks to rim and bottom edge of bottle, no cracks

All bidders in our auctions should be aware of the following:

Lots are sold "AS IS" as described in the Terms & Conditions of Auction. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Palm Beach Modern Auctions. PBMA strives to provide as much information as possible about items, including multiple photos, dimensions and condition reports. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. All bidders are encouraged to inspect items of interest in person and ask any questions they may have prior to bidding as well as review all points in the Terms & Conditions.