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
- 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
- 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
- Ribbed Gold EarringsLocated in Scottsdale, AZComplete your collection with these stunning earrings! Circa 1970s, these shrimp style earrings are crafted from shiny 14k gold and feature an asymmetrical ribbed design. Earrings ha...Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Lever-Back Earrings
Materials14k Gold
- David Webb Sapphire RingBy David WebbLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your evening look with this stunning David Webb Cocktail ring! This cocktail ring features 18KT Yellow Gold with a geometric design containing one oval, cabochon, and very go...Category
Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
- Chanel Rare 1980s Large Gold Tone Cameo EarringsBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing a true treasure for Chanel enthusiasts – the Rare 1980s Large Gold Tone Cameo Earrings. These stunning statement earrings are not just accessories; they are a homage to the iconic Coco Chanel, featuring a striking black and white large cameo of the legendary fashion icon. Complete with eye-catching gold-plated bows at the top, these earrings are as stylish as they are coveted. The attention to detail in these earrings is truly remarkable, capturing the essence of Chanel's timeless elegance and sophistication. The large cameo showcases Coco Chanel in all her iconic glory, making these earrings a wearable piece of fashion history. Perfect for both casual and formal occasions, these earrings are more than just accessories – they're a statement. The gold-plated bows add a touch of opulence, enhancing the overall allure of this collector's item. As a rare find from the 1980s, these earrings are not just a fashionable accessory; they're a piece of Chanel history. Elevate your style with these statement earrings that pay tribute to the legendary Coco Chanel. Style these with a Vivienne Westwood necklace, a Valentino handbag...Category
Vintage 1980s French Dangle Earrings
- Old Vinaigrette with Precious Stones, Mid-19th Century WorkLocated in Paris, FRRectangular, gold vinaigrette with a hinged lid. Scrollwork designs in relief highlight purple cabochon stones arranged as a flower in the center. A geometric frieze frames the composition. The body of the box is decorated with rinceau friezes on an intricately sculpted geometric background. A purple cabochon stone serves as a button to open the vinaigrette, revealing an openwork grill embellished with scrollwork around a rose. The grill was used to hold a sponge soaked in bergamot vinegar or another essence. Length: 1.3 in / Width: 0.9 in Weight: 0.8 oz (22 g) Gold mark: Tête de bélier...Category
Antique 1820s French Boxes and Cases
MaterialsGold
- Vintage Bulgari White and Yellow Gold Clutch Bag, circa 1960By BulgariLocated in London, GBA vintage Bulgari white and yellow gold bag, with yellow gold criss cross patterns over a white gold background, in woven 18ct gold, with a mirror within the lid, signed BVLGARI, wit...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Vanity Items
Materials18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- 1950s Faraone Ruby Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold CompactBy FaraoneLocated in Idar-Oberstein, DEA chic 18k gold compact by the Italian company Faraone, studded with high quality rectangular cut rubies, diamonds and sapphires in the colors of the ...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Boxes and Cases
MaterialsBlue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
- Tiffany & Co. 1980s 18k Yellow Gold Powder Compact CaseBy Tiffany & Co.Located in Los Angeles, CAThis 1980's Tiffany & Co. compact is of Italian provenance, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, weighing 194grams and measuring 3.25" X 2.75"X .5”. Rendered in artfully crafted beaded ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Artisan Boxes and Cases
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Art Deco Black & Red Enamel Round Powder Compact 1920'sLocated in Chillerton, Isle of WightThis is a very attractive and good quality piece. Delightfully Art Deco in style, the slightly domed top is decorated in an abstract design in chrome, red and black enamel. The base ...Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vanity Items
MaterialsEnamel
- 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