The Gaekwads of Baroda are renowned not only for their luxurious extravagance but also for their commitment to social reforms. A stunning representation of this opulence is the custom-made Louis Vuitton Tea Case, commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1926. Crafted from grained leather, this elegant piece contained all the necessary accouterments for making tea.
The Tea Case:
By the 1920s, Sayajirao had established himself as a loyal and prominent client of Louis Vuitton. One of his most notable commissions was the tea case, which he envisioned after seeing a concept piece in a 1926 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, illustrated by French artist Bernard Boutet de Monvel.
In 1930, Louis Vuitton delivered the tea case, designed to be both compact and functional. The case includes cups, pots, and all the essentials for enjoying a proper cup of tea on the go. While groundbreaking at the time, its design now resonates with modern sensibilities, exemplifying the economy of space and packaging often found in contemporary luggage, consumer electronics, and even architecture.
© LOUIS VUITTON/ Source: Livemint
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