From April 10 to June 24, Shiseido Art House in Shizuoka Prefecture will be hosting an exhibition titled "Vintage Perfume Bottles and Contemporary Tapestries: Focusing on Lalique and Baccarat," showcasing perfume bottles produced in France, primarily from the late 19th century to before World War II, and tapestries produced in Japan from the 1960s and 1970s.

"Village: Ruins," original illustration by Oka Shikanosuke, wool, silk, and cotton, 1968
Tapictory, in textile terms, refers to the tapestry weaving technique, and generally refers to wall hangings woven using this technique for interior decoration. Tsuzure weaving is a type of weaving that uses strongly taut warp threads and variously dyed weft threads to create pictorial patterns, and has been produced in many regions since ancient times, with the obi sashes produced in Nishijin, Kyoto being widely known in Japan. The tapestries on display this time were also commissioned by Shiseido to be produced by a Kyoto workshop that specializes in fine art textiles, and were created based on original drawings by leading artists of the time, including Oka Shikanosuke and Maeda Seison.

Maison Lalique "Fern" 1912, René Lalique
The perfume bottles featured are works by French decorative artist René Lalique (1860-1945) and the crystal glass brand Baccarat. As the perfume industry developed dramatically from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, some perfumes began to be displayed in store shelves in extravagant bottles and cases that would be unimaginable today. It can be said that René Lalique and Baccarat were the creators of perfume bottles that represent this era. Lalique created a series of fantastical, small sculptures inspired by his unique imagination, while Baccarat, leveraging his experience as a crystal manufacturer, produced a succession of works that capitalized on the inherent brilliance and transparency of glass. This exhibition features approximately 100 masterpieces by Lalique and Baccarat, offering a glimpse into an era when perfume and perfume bottles represented true luxury. Related events include gallery talks by curators, held at 2 p.m. on April 19, May 19, and June 22. No prior registration is required, and participation is free. While tapestries and perfume bottles are both considered industrial products, items like those on display here are now considered highly artistic works. Come to Art House to experience the rich world of decorative arts that have enriched our lives. For more information, please visit our website (http://shiseidogroup.jp/art-house/exhibit/).