Vi-trine, noun, 1.a glass showcase or cabinet especially for displaying fine wares or specimens.
When my friend and retail partner told me she had a "vitrine" at the nearby Four Seasons with my products amongst some other pretty things, I admit I had to do a quick search online. I've never used the word vitrine and yet it wasn't completely foreign to me. Turns out glass fronted cabinets are one of my favorite things. Shiny glass protects treasured items adding to their mystique and beauty. I thought Lynn did a wonderful job mixing my colorful wastebaskets with her linens, tea towels and shams. The mighty vitrine, it seems, would make a good subject to explore a little more.
Lynn's "vitrine" inspired me to fluff up some of my display shelves here at the showroom. I like how she mixes a soft touch (the pillow) with more concrete items.
Vitrines are the perfect place to practice your display skills. A master at this is Sean of Kabinett and Kammer
And these two glass fronted cabinets are lined with a lovely wall paper design. You don't even have to add "fine wares and specimens".
In point of fact, the "vitrine" hearkens from days of yore. It made its debut during the early 18th century and were often adaptations of bookcases or a small china case. Some might call them a cabinet of curiosities as labels were often used to describe strange and unknown objects. Ostrich eggs, coral from far off seas as well as house plants and pretty face lotions look even more unique when seen behind a pane of glass.
One of my favorite artists was a master of the shadow box. His name is Joseph Cornell and here is an example of his work above . Not only are these glass paned boxes works of beauty, they possess layers of meaning. Mixing treasured items and keep sakes can be an enjoyable task. A glass fronted cabinet makes everything extra special.