Vintage La Jeunesse Karung Purse with Large Enamel Accent

The mid century was the heyday for the American handbag manufacturing business. There were large companies that catered to all women of the US as well as smaller companies that catered to the elite class. These small companies had only a few employees yet all who worked at them were creative designers. They often worked with exotic skins and their products were uniquely luxurious and high end. La Jeunesse, the maker of this bag, was one of those firms who existed for only a few years during that time. Unfortunately most handbag manufacturers, large or small, went out of business partially due to the imports that began arriving from Asia and the cheap labor from that region. La Jeunesse, a leather goods company was founded by George Theodoris who came to the USA from Greece. He established a company that designed high end leather goods and accordingly had elite customers such as Jackie Kennedy. His company was a division of G + F Quality Handbags of NY and it is rare to find them in the vintage market. When found, they are usually swept up quickly even though they remain quite expensive. This bag is rectangular in shape with an unusually shaped outer flap. This interesting and unique flap is often used by this company and is indicative of how La Jeunesse was unique and extremely creative as far as design is concerned. The bag is covered by the skins of the karung lizard, an exotic reptile that, in fact, Judith Leiber preferred. The scales of the karung lizard vary from very small to somewhat larger. The skins are dyed so that the bag appears to be a mocha coffee color. Interestingly enough, the color might have started out to have more plum in its color but has aged to a more brownish color in the ensuing years. That's what age can do (don't I know!). However, the fading is uniform throughout (not on the thin carry strap which is more plum) and you would never know if the strap wasn't there. The dying process results in the scales being a bit darker than the background. This creates a pleasing appearance to the skins, which are supple and have a slight shine. However, it is the large enamel piece situated at the tip of the flap that draws the eye. It is very large and is a rounded and scalloped rectangle. It is almost 2"w x 2"d. It depicts two colorful flowers done in yellows and orange that are against a royal blue background. There are green leaves and everything is outlined in thin gold metal lines. This technique is called cloisonne . The surround of the piece is a bright emerald green. The piece has a slight curve to it and thus creates dimension and depth. The bag opens with a snap which is situated on the inner side of the flap. The carry strap (which as mentioned has a bit of "plum" to it) can be removed by opening a mechanism that allows it to be disengaged from inner rings of the bag. Now the bag can be worn as a clutch. The drop is 17". The inside is lined with what appears to be black karung leather. When have you seen such an exotic skin lining? There are two open slip pockets and the "La Jeunesse" three dimensional identification insignia is affixed inside. There are a few indications of age and wear on the inside. The bag measures 9 3/4"w x 6"h x 1"d. The bag is in wonderful condition. There are some markings around the snap area but it is not seen when the flap is down. What a bag! Smart, classic, rare and top quality! They don't make bags like this anymore! Condition: Excellent - - VINTAGE Condition