A Louis Vuitton trunk in monogram canvas, France, circa 1910
A Louis Vuitton trunk in monogram canvas, France, circa 1910
Around the turn of the 20th century, Louis Vuitton had firmly established himself as a leader in luxury trunk making. To distinguish his brand from growing competition and imitation, the company introduced its now-iconic monogram canvas, a bold and instantly recognisable symbol of craftsmanship and prestige that remains a hallmark of the house to this day.
This example, dating from around 1920, is a superb Louis Vuitton trunk covered in the world-famous monogrammed canvas. With leather borders and gleaming brass fittings, it represented the pinnacle of luxury travel at the time. Over a century later, it remains a magnificent conversation piece, perfectly sized to serve as a coffee table or as a striking standalone statement in either modern or traditional interiors.
Louis Vuitton was born in 1821 in eastern France to a working-class family of farmers and milliners. At just 16, he walked nearly 300 miles to Paris to start a new life. There, during a time of industrial and travel expansion, he apprenticed with a renowned box maker, Monsieur Maréchal, learning the art of crafting durable, elegant travel cases.
In 1854, Vuitton opened his own workshop on Rue Neuve des Capucines, marking the beginning of his legacy. Four years later, he revolutionized luggage design with his flat-topped, waterproof trunk: practical, stackable, and unlike the rounded models of the time. His early grey “Trianon” canvas soon evolved into striped and checkered designs, both beautiful and intended to deter counterfeits. In 1886, his son Georges patented an unpickable lock still used today, and in 1896 introduced the now-iconic LV monogram in honour of his father. By the turn of the century, Louis Vuitton had become synonymous with innovation, craftsmanship, and prestige, a legacy that continues to define luxury travel.
Condition: overall excellent vintage condition. Lacking key and interior trays. Please refer to photographs.
Dimensions: Xcm wide, Xcm high, Xcm deep
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REFERENCE: H2509w