Hermès 35cm Bleu Marine Courchevel Leather Birkin Bag with Gold Hardware, Inscribed and Signed Twice by Jane Birkin & with In...

Description

Hermès 35cm Bleu Marine Courchevel Leather Birkin Bag with Gold Hardware, Inscribed and Signed Twice by Jane Birkin & with Inscribed Concert Program
A Square, 1997
Condition: 3
14" Width x 9.5" Height x 7" Depth

This bag is done in Bleu Marine Courchevel Leather with Gold Hardware, featuring two rolled top handles and a flap top with a turnlock closure. The interior is done in Bleu Marine Chevre Leather, featuring one slip pocket and one zip pocket. This bag includes a clochette with a lock and two keys. Inscribed and signed twice: "Midori Your Friend Jane" on the front interior wall above the slip pocket in white, and "Midori Jane" on the rear interior zip pocket in silver. Accompanying the bag is a program from Jane Birkin's 2013 Tokyo concert, "Via Japan," inscribed on the front: "Mr. & Mrs. Senga 'Agnes Hotel' my home from home... favorate [sic] hotel... I love you Jane."

This bag was owned by Mrs. Midori Senga, who, together with her husband, was the proprietor of the Agnes Hotel in Tokyo, Jane Birkin's preferred residence when visiting the city. Over the course of numerous stays, Jane formed a close friendship with Mrs. Senga and personally signed the bag for her. Mrs. Senga recounts that Jane shared her belief that the Birkin was a bag meant to be used daily rather than displayed, and that one should not worry about signs of wear. In keeping with this philosophy, Jane even stepped on this very bag to demonstrate how to soften the leather, a gesture that reflects her practical approach to the iconic design that bears her name.

There is visible wear throughout the exterior of the bag, including stretching and wear to the glazing on the top handles, and significant rubbing to the leather at the base corners. There is visible scuffing to the exterior, most visible on the rear. There is visible scratching to the hardware and the base feet. There is a minor odor commensurate with age and prior storage conditions. This bag includes an Hermès box and dust bag.

Condition Rankings:

1 - Like New, shows little to no evidence of wear, age or handling.
2 - Exceptionally well-maintained, very minor signs of use, wear, age, or handling.
3 - Pre-Loved, gently used with slight signs of wear. See extended condition report for details.
4 - Pre-Loved, exhibits signs of wear and regular use. See extended condition report for details.

References to gold or silver hardware, unless otherwise specified, describes the color and is not meant to infer the type of metal. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of boxes, dustbags, and other non-essential accompaniments, and shall not be liable for any wear, damage, or flaws to such items.

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*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".