Une Trouvaille in Opio, France

Une trouvaille!
Opio, France, by Jane T. Tolbert

The name La Boutique is something of a misnomer. The antique store, located inland between Cannes and Grasse, is a combination of many things. A cabinet of curiosities. Ali Baba’s cavern. A connoisseur’s delight. Those interested in history will be enticed by artifacts from the past and its owner, Michel Hassid, whose extensive knowledge and appreciation for style and period give the shop its uniqueness. Stepping across the threshold, the patron enters another world.

Curiosités - Cabinets of curiosities gained in popularity in the 17th century, a period of exploration and discovery. Located in the private homes of wealthy patrons of learning or in rich palaces of royalty, these eclectic displays, which provided the basis for later museums of natural history, contained an assortment of objects—mummies, monstrous bones thought to belong to a giant, fossils with supernatural properties, unicorn horns, crocodile skins, and scientific instruments among other things. Reference books, drawings of flora and fauna or portraits also lined the shelves.

In La Boutique, curiosities include 18th-century thermometers, unusual paintings, and toys. Thermometers in the Réaumur scale indicate the appropriate temperatures for taking a bath, hatching chickens, or raising silk worms. Just above one of the stairwells hangs a figurehead from a ship, a wooden sailor looking somewhat worse for wear. A cigarette lighter worthy of Q’s gadget laboratory in a James Bond film becomes a small pistol. A small inlaid box contains hidden compartments. An autograph book from an early 20th-century ice cream parlor carries signatures and drawings from famous artists and writers visiting Cannes. Other objects include mechanical toys, phonographs, music boxes, candleholders and sundials.



Ali Baba’s Cavern - The jewel-like clusters of lamps and chandeliers have earned La Boutique the designation of Ali Baba’s cavern. Hanging fixtures carry tiers of clear or colored faceted crystals, and the art nouveau and art deco lamps are reminiscent of large hotel lobbies. Many of these lights are Murano glass, and others carry names like Baccarat or Gallé.

History – For the cultured or the uninitiated, a trip to the store can be an educational experience. Each piece of furniture or object is an artifact that conveys information about a period of time, a geographical location, or a theme. An inkwell in the shape of a pear is actually a caricature of Louis-Philippe, who censored many commentaries by journalists. A pewter pitcher portrays what looks like a squawking politician. Two 18th-century Italian mirrors with ornate frames appear joyous in comparison to their counterpart from Provence. An empire console with sphinx-like figures topping the legs shows the influence of Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign on French furnishings. Armoires, sideboards, and faience china provide hints about past lifestyles and available materials.

Michel has an unequaled passion for the historical and cultural context of a period. He takes pleasure in his selections and works to bring rare and valuable pieces back to life. He insists on the distinction between the terms “restoration” and “renovation.” A true restoration involves the use of original techniques and materials. Knowledge of the context of the period and the technology available at that time are critical to the process.

Although I am only beginning to learn about antiques, and my passion is constrained by limitations imposed by budget and space, I still have many things from Michel’s store--a yellow armoire and a small table, both in the style of Louis XV, the pear-shaped inkwell, and art nouveau lamps. Future purchases will likely include an 18th-century thermometer (after all, silkworms did provide a source of income for women) to complete the beginnings of my own cabinet of curiosities.

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