One of the absolute pleasures of revisiting my collection of make up products is that I’m learning new things about the pieces I own. I have The Make Up Museum (HERE) to thank again for the extra leg work on this one although I had thought I was pretty knowledgeable about it.
It’s the only CHANEL palette that I can remember coming in a lacquer box or any sort of surrounding box other than the standard cardboard. I suppose it was to elevate the origins of the concept – of the Coromandel screens that Mme Chanel was so fond of. I visited her apartment in 2013 (although it feels much longer ago) in Paris and sure enough, her beloved screens were there.
A Coromandel screen is a lacquered screen in several folds from China – known as ‘Coromandel’ because they came to Europe from China shipped via the Coromandel coast of south east India.
The detailed work is so precise because it used laser technology – an electronic arm – to control a beam to create the decorative incisions as well as polish and colour. It was cutting edge at the time but even so, I don’t know of a more beautiful artwork on make-up than this one.
From top to bottom, the details are olive branches, gold Chinese scrolls and decorated lacquer designed to make the whole piece look like a fragment of a screen. And it does. It turns out that the Coromandels de CHANEL palette is highly sought after – £279 on eBay. Who knew?
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
6 comments
This series is so much fun, Jane. Thank you for sharing! It’s a nice little pleasure at a tough time.
You’re so welcome x
Long time reader here – I remember your post from visiting her apartment!! Where has the time gone?!
Hi Bethany – thanks for staying the course! You’re right – time has flown.
Thank you so much for another mention, Jane! Really appreciate it. The Coromandels remains one of my all-time fave Chanel pieces, along with the Byzantine compact from 2012 (and Les Gouaches, of course!) Your collection is even more extensive than mine! Love seeing that another person held onto them.
So welcome – it’s so great for me to have a source of good information!