Invitation by Line Vautrin

“Invitation” Box by Line Vautrin (1913–1997), Paris, circa 1940–1950.

Rectangular gilt-bronze box entirely decorated with an engraved anamorphic message, punctuated by rows of repeated looped motifs.

Conceived as a true invitation-object, the box conceals its message within deliberately distorted and reversed handwriting, which becomes legible when viewed through its reflection in a mirror. The engraved text forms a personal invitation from Line Vautrin, transforming a simple written message into a visual and intellectual game.

The interior is lined with cork.

The piece beautifully embodies Line Vautrin’s fascination with wordplay, rebuses, coded writing and mirror effects. Here, the inscription is not merely decorative: it becomes the very subject of the object, poised between a precious object and an intriguing visual puzzle.