HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Hammered Small Ball Vase
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor usual scratches/scuffs/usual silver plate oxidation throughout - see pictures. Wear/oxidation on the inner side (see pictures 6 and 7). Please note that the black patina on the body of the vase is from original manufacturing.
- Seller Location:Nice, FR
- Reference Number:
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Nice, France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Chain VaseBy HermèsLocated in Nice, FRHERMES vintage silver plate vase featuring a chain detail. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Indicative measurements : height approx. 16.1 cm (6.34 inches) / diameter of the base approx. 7.6 ...Category
20th Century French Vases
- Hermes A Sporting Life Jumping RopeBy HermèsLocated in Nice, FRHERMES Paris wood handle and leather jumping rope. Marked HERMES 2013 Made in France. Embossed Chic, le sport ! A sporting life. Indicative measurements : ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Toys
- Christian Dior Vintage Girly Pink Tank Top Monogram Trotter Logo Print US Size 6By Christian DiorLocated in Nice, FRCHRISTIAN DIOR by JOHN GALLIANO vintage tank top featuring an all over trotter monogram pattern in girly pink on a white background, 2 white viny flow...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tank Tops
- Gianni Versace Vintage 1990s Miami ShirtBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Nice, FRGIANNI VERSACE vintage 1990s MIAMI white shirt featuring embroidered "lemon slice" suns, MIAMI logos and palm trees. Long sleeves. Hidden...Category
20th Century Italian Shirts
- Christian Lacroix Vintage Embroidered BlazerBy Christian LacroixLocated in Nice, FRCHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage white blazer featuring a gorgeous embroidered floral design. This blazer features : - Cropped length. - Notched lapels....Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Blazers
- Chanel Vintage 1988 Pearl Tassel Chain BeltBy ChanelLocated in Nice, FRCHANEL vintage rare tassel belt featuring alternating gold toned chain sections and large faux pearls. Triple swag at front. Collection 23 - Year : 1988. Adjustable size. Hook clos...Category
20th Century French Belts
- Set of Two Ceramic and Tumbaga Vases in Mate Finish by RomoherreraBy ROMOHERRERA, Cristina RomoLocated in Ciudad De México, MXInspired by the movement and flow of the sea urchin, this organic centerpiece is made out of glazed ceramic and tumbaga metal accents. 100% handmade by expert craftsmen, each sheet o...Category
2010s Mexican Vases
- Versace Rosenthal 1990s Le Roi King Sun Porcelain VaseBy Rosenthal, VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Versace Rosenthal 1990s Le Roi King Sun Porcelain Vase, a mini masterpiece that transforms any space into an artful haven. Crafted with precision, this porcelain vase...Category
1990s Italian Vases
- LimitedEdition Vase AperitifGlass JeanNouvel 2002 Signed for French LiqueurSuzeBy DaumLocated in Chicago, ILAs a signed and 2002-dated limited edition, French architect and furnishings designer Jean Nouvel was commissioned to create this yellow-accented vase or aperitif glass for one of th...Category
Early 2000s French Vases
- 1950s Lady Head Vase with Pearl EarringsLocated in Greenport, NY1950s Lady Head Vase with Pearl Earrings by Relpo, Japan. Adorable 1950s lady head vase with dangling pearl earrings and elaborate collar. She stand...Category
1950s Japanese Vases
- 1950s Napcoware Lady Head VaseLocated in Greenport, NY1950s Napcoware Lady Head Vase Adorable 1950s Blonde Lady Head Vase with Long Eyelashes, Pink Coat, Pearl Earrings, Gold Accents on Blouse, and Black ...Category
1950s Japanese Vases
- 1950s Lady Head Vase with Dangling Pearl EarringsLocated in Greenport, NY1950s Vintage Lady Head Napcoware Vase with Pearl Earrings and Necklace Adorable 1950s lady head vase with dangling pearl earrings and pearl neckla...Category
1950s Japanese Vases
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.