Once again architect Frank Gehry and glassmaker Baccarat join forces for the new Mathusalem Hennessy X.O. edition.
The creation of the bottle of the new Mathusalem Hennessy X.O. cognac once again brings together two renowned artists: architect Frank Gehry, who has been part of this project for years, and glassmaker Baccarat.
The new edition of the Maison Hennessy then conceives this time a 6-liter Mathusalem, a suggestion of the power of Hennessy X.O. cognac.
This artistic collaboration, fueled by Hennessy’s heritage, has resulted in the creation of a limited edition of thirty unique pieces. “This design combines the signature style of Frank Gehry, the refinement of Baccarat and the uniqueness of Hennessy X.O. cognac. This creation highlights the richness of the blend while paying tribute to the know-how that made its creation possible,” shares Laurent Boillot, President of the House.
Made by Baccarat, this creation is the result of unique know-how, underlined by the creativity of Frank Gehry. The Mathusalem decanter, with a capacity of six liters, comes out of a case whose blocks evoke ice. Its transparency reveals the cognac it contains.
Photos: Making of Mathusalem Hennessy X.O. – Maison Hennessy
Frank Gehry and the Mathusalem Hennessy X.O.
Frank Gehry expresses his interest in movement and light techniques. “For me, I like to discover new things that push the artistic boundaries of what has been done before. I hope that what we have created reflects the expertise of the House of Hennessy in making its cognacs.”
Inspired by a visit to Cognac and the know-how involved in blending Hennessy X.O cognac, Frank Gehry’s design is also inspired by the skills that the craftsmen of Baccarat have been passing down from generation to generation since 1764, a history as rich as that of the House of Hennessy, founded in 1765. This design reflects the vitality of the vineyards, the waters of the Charente running through Cognac and the richness of the Hennessy X.O. cognac blend.
Photo: Frank Gehry – La Maison Hennessy
Baccarat and the challenges
Upon receiving the bottle design, the Baccarat factory teams understood Frank Gehry’s artistic challenges. The design and dimensions required more than 30 kilos of Baccarat glass. The technical complexities were overcome by creating thirty molds, each dedicated to a sculpture. Proud to collaborate with one of the most renowned architects of his time, Baccarat’s craftsmen were determined to respect the designer’s intention.
From the preliminary sketches to the first molds, from the first cuts to the final touches, each step illustrates Baccarat’s capacity for innovation and creativity. The creation of this decanter required the development of new techniques and the design of specific tools and adapted thermal cycles. It took several months of work to shape this creation with its unique shape and a specific mold for each piece.
Frank Gehry’s Mathusalem Hennessy X.O decanter will be offered in France exclusively at the Parisian Samaritaine boutique from November 9 at a price of 150,000 euros each. One of the pieces will also be on display at the Boutique des Visites in Cognac.
Source: La Maison Hennessy
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