Judith Leiber Gold Tone Monkey Trinket Box
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 2 in (50.8 mm)Depth: 1 in (25.4 mm)Length: 2.5 in (63.5 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1980's
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU167218254852
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer's lauded vintage minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) were made in the form of crystal-covered swans, cupcakes, lipstick, wads of cash, teddy bears and other delightful objects.
These dazzling objets d’art have been regularly seen in the hands of First Ladies, movie stars on the red carpet and even in the prestigious collections of institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber's purses and minaudières were the result of a happy accident.
In 1967, Leiber began working on her first metal handbag. The piece in question was named the Chatelaine, and the design was a graceful drop-shaped purse in gold-tinted metal. But when the samples came in, Leiber saw that the bottom of the bag looked greenish and discolored as a result of the plating process. She had the ingenious idea of applying crystal rhinestones to the base to cover up the flaws. The fabulous bag was a huge success and would become her trademark.
Born Judith Peto in Budapest, Leiber overcame many hardships before her breakthrough. At the start of World War II, she was working at the Pessl handbag company in Budapest where she quickly climbed the ranks to become a master craftswoman. When the war escalated, she and her Jewish family were forced by the Nazis to live in a cellar of a ghetto, and several of her relatives were killed in concentration camps.
“I designed handbags in my head to get through the misery,” Leiber said.
After the liberation of Budapest, she married Gerson “Gus” Leiber, an American GI, and moved to New York. In 1948, she began working for the fashion house Nettie Rosenstein. One of Leiber's first major pieces was the handbag embroidered with glittering rhinestones and pearls carried by Mamie Eisenhower at the 1953 inaugural ball. In 1963, she finally set up her own company.
Leiber’s whimsical designs embellished with Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones defied traditional notions of luxury handbags. She also created striking clutches and bags with leather and fine textiles from around the world. In her 65-year career, she designed over 3,500 bags, which have been worn by First Ladies including Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush, pop icons like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner (who collects Judith Leiber bags).
In 2005, the Leiber Collection Museum opened in East Hampton, New York, as a permanent space to showcase her work. The minaudières remain coveted objects that are celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find vintage Judith Leiber shoulder bags, crossbody bags, sunglasses and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Cartier 18k 750 Yellow Gold and Diamond CompactBy CartierLocated in Scottsdale, AZVintage 18K yellow gold Cartier compact powder box with a woven texture and diamond encrusted thumb-piece. Circa 1950's. The compact is stamped with th...Category
Vintage 1950s French Boxes and Cases
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Gem Encrusted Heart Shaped Compact MirrorBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Scottsdale, AZIndulge in vintage elegance with the Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Gem Encrusted Heart Shaped Compact Mirror. This yellow gold plated vanity mirror is designed i...Category
Vintage 1980s Vanity Items
- Louis Vuitton Epi Rimy Bag Charm RedBy Louis VuittonLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Louis Vuitton Epi Rimy Bag Charm in Red—an exquisite accessory that effortlessly combines luxury and flair. This bag charm is not just an embellishment; it's a statem...Category
2010s Italian Vanity Items
- 14K Gold Topaz Crown Cocktail RingLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the 14K Gold Topaz Crown Cocktail Ring, a stunning and opulent piece that exudes glamour and luxury. This exquisite ring, crafted in the 1980s, showcases a regal design with a 14k yellow gold band that elegantly cradles a large 40-carat brown topaz stone...Category
Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings
MaterialsTopaz, 14k Gold
- 1990s Swarovski Crystal Silver Chanel Inspired RingLocated in Scottsdale, AZExperience the epitome of timeless glamour with the 1990s Swarovski Crystal Silver Chanel Inspired Ring. Crafted with a 925 silver band, this ring pays...Category
1990s Italian Fashion Rings
MaterialsCrystal, Silver
- 18K Solid Gold Diamond Blue Bird BroochLocated in Scottsdale, AZCelebrate mid-century vintage elegance with the 18K Solid Gold Diamond Blue Bird Brooch – a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Crafted from solid yellow gold, this brooch features a mama bird accompanied by two smaller blue birds, each adorned with different color eyes. The eyes are crafted from precious gemstones, with one pair being green emeralds, the second blue sapphires, and the third red rubies. Adding a vibrant pop of color, vintage Persian turquoise stones...Category
Vintage 1960s Lebanese Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold
- Mughal Jadeite Jade Whiskey Flask Encrusted with Nine Gemstones and GoldLocated in Bangkok,, THA Jadeite Jade whiskey bottle made in mughal vintage style, inlaid with 24K gold on both sides with a centre flower motif inlaid with nine precious gemstones including coral, sapphir...Category
Early 2000s Indian Boxes and Cases
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, Jade, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold
- 1920’s Blue Enamel Art Deco Powder Compact by Richard HudnutLocated in Chillerton, Isle of WightThis beautiful round compact has squared off edges, the enamel is in an unusual duck egg blue and a contrasting deeper blue on the front, being completed...Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Vanity Items
MaterialsEnamel
- Red & Black Enamel Art Deco Powder Compact by Deere The Reich-Ash Corp 1920’sLocated in Chillerton, Isle of WightThis beautiful compact has a stunning bright red and black enamel front, a classic Art Deco ladies combination compact in wonderful condition inside and out. At the base you will fin...Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Vanity Items
MaterialsEnamel
- Rare Matthew Linwood Gilt Georgian English Sterling Silver Seashell Form BoxLocated in Philadelphia, PAA fine and rare antique English Georgian sterling silver box. In the rare figural form of a snail shell or seashell. The interior of the box is gilt. It was made by Matthew Linwood...Category
Antique Early 19th Century British George III Boxes and Cases
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Antique Box Hand Painted Portrait Miniature French Lady in HatLocated in New York, NYA beautiful dresser box with a hand painted portrait miniature of a woman in her hat. The miniature is beautifully done wihth a lovely face, gorgeous hat and stunning diaphanous dress. The quality of the painting is superb. She has stunningly beautiful eyes, the hair has extraordinary detail, and the face is truly magnificent! I believe the box dates to the later portion of the 19th Century. The portrait is covered with perspex or similar material. The portrait is 2 inches (52mm) in diameter. The portrait is set in the top of a gorgeous box - just a very special wonderful portrait miniature box...Category
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Boxes and Cases
- 18th Century Enamel Bonbonnière Form Of Love Birds Museum Piece Patch Box SnuffLocated in New York, NYThis is a Museum Quality Enamel on Copper Bonbonnière, Patch Box or Snuff Box in the form of Love Birds. The extraordinary bird form box is from the collection of the Indianapolis M...Category
Antique 18th Century British George III Boxes and Cases
MaterialsEnamel, Copper