It is one of those pieces that we have all come across at least once in our lives, but to which we ultimately paid (too) little attention. Wrongly.
We all know at least one object lying at the bottom of our grandparents’ buffet, relegated to Sunday barbecues or slightly dated evenings. You know, that once-popular play that we saw so much we ended up not watching it anymore. For many, it is the height of kitsch, a survivor of aperitifs with friends that evokes checkered tablecloths and endless discussions. Well, think again: the one that seemed good for the garage sale is becoming the darling of retro design lovers, according to Lisa, an ace of china since a young age!
The trend is for second hand – and that’s good – and the nostalgia for vintage objects has completely reshuffled the cards of interior decoration. Today, having an interior that looks like a standardized catalog is almost a faux pas. We (re)search for authenticity, that little extra soul that makes guests smile. Result ? Advertising items from yesteryear are being sold at high prices on second-hand platforms, such as in flea markets, and prices are skyrocketing for the rarest models. But what treasure are we talking about exactly? Bright yellow or transparent, in molded plastic, ceramic or heavy glass, it has quenched many thirsts under the southern sun. Do you have it?
This is the famous Ricard* carafe. Originally imagined by Paul Ricard himself in the 1930s to serve the famous pastis, it has been available in dozens of models by renowned designers such as Marc Newson or Mathieu Lehanneur, more recently. If the basic glass version is only worth a few euros, certain iconic vintage models, such as the yellow ceramic jug version from the 1950s or the limited editions from the 1960s, sell for between 50 and more than 200 euros today on sites like Leboncoin.
So, before emptying out Auntie Huguette’s country house or selling off your jugs that are lying around, keep your eyes peeled. This iconic, symbol of the French art of living still has a bright future ahead of it… and great potential to spruce up your summer table with a cool and sunny touch.
*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation
