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Scarce 1931 Houbigant Art Deco Triple Compact Vanity in Orange Yellow and Black
$595
£455.29
€521.08
CA$840.30
A$913.26
CHF 489.42
MX$11,088.58
NOK 6,144.41
SEK 5,698.01
DKK 3,891.82
About the Item
This Scarce 1931 Houbigant Art Deco Triple Compact Vanity is a stunning and extremely hard-to-find example of early 20th-century luxury cosmetics design. Released in 1931 by Houbigant Paris, one of the most prestigious perfume and cosmetics houses of the era, this documented design showcases a bold Bauhaus-inspired color scheme with striking horizontal blocks of yellow, tangerine, orange, black, and chrome. The case itself is a miniature masterpiece of high Art Deco aesthetics, vibrant, geometric, and unmistakably modern.
Inside, the vanity features an ingeniously organized triple compact layout:
A polished mirror on the upper lid
A miniature spring-loaded lipstick
A classic face powder compartment
A deep rouge pan with its original small puff
Although the powders and lipstick have been lightly used, they remain beautifully intact, an extraordinary survival and a rare artifact of early 1930s luxury beauty culture. These preserved cosmetics speak directly to the era’s emerging emphasis on bold makeup, portability, and stylish presentation.
The exterior shows minor paint loss at the top edge and light expected wear on the underside, consistent with authentic age and careful use. The colors, design, and mechanics remain vibrant and impressive, especially for a piece approaching a century old. Signed Houbigant on the front of the case and on the lipstick.
During the 1920s and 1930s, compact vanities became essential accessories for fashionable women, driven by the growing popularity of travel-sized makeup. Companies such as Estee Lauder, Richard Hudnut, Volupté, and Max Factor created glamorous portable cases, but Houbigant’s compacts are among the most collectible today due to their Parisian craftsmanship, artistic palettes, and limited production. Houbigant’s bold designs, especially those utilizing unique colorblocking and Deco geometry, are considered some of the finest cosmetic cases of the period.
This 1931 Houbigant triple compact is not only visually striking but also historically significant, representing a rare intersection of Bauhaus color theory, Art Deco elegance, and the evolution of luxury cosmetic design. A beautiful and highly collectible piece, perfect for lovers of vintage makeup, Art Deco accessories, French luxury brands, and museum-quality vanity objects.
A truly exceptional example of early 1930s style, both a decorative jewel and a tangible piece of beauty history.
- Dimensions:Height: 0.38 in (9.66 mm)Width: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Style:Art Deco (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1931
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Powders show usage but remain intact. Overall wear to exterior with minor paint loss at edges. I was unable to see how to open the lipstick. Overall beautiful vintage condition.
- Seller Location:Red Lion, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10258247880672
About the Seller
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