Earthly Delights: Judith Leiber Handbags "Gardens & Flowers"

Judith Leiber (born Judith Peto in Budapest, Hungary in 1921) creates exquisitely designed couture women’s accessories that blur the boundaries between function and art. Most known for her semi-precious adorned minaudières or compact occasion cases, her oeuvre includes day bags, belts and pillboxes. The Leiber bags on view in the Shaftman Gallery are the result of the immense philanthropic generosity of a Roanoke based couple Sydney and Rosalie Krisch Shaftman. Sydney Shaftman gave his wife Rosalie a Leiber minaudière in the 1980s, which began the impetus for collection that resulted in a gift of more than 130 minaudières and pillboxes to the Taubman Museum of Art from 2005 to 2008. Her designs range from the abstract to the whimsical and the bags on display highlight Leiber’s interest in floral and vegetable garden inspired elements. 

Considered one of the largest repositories of Judith Leiber bags in the United States, the Taubman Museum of Art is deeply indebted to the Shaftmans for their incredible generosity. Named in the donors’ honor, the Rosalie K. and Sydney Shaftman Gallery is a favorite for visitors.

Judith Leiber: Earthly Delights of the Rosalie K. and Sydney Shaftman Gallery will refresh works from the collection to showcase "Gardens & Flowers" beginning July 16, 2016.

Exhibition thumbnail image: Judith Peto Leiber, (Hungarian, Born 1921) Siamese and Floral Cat Minaudière, Undated; Swarovsky crystals, rubies, gold, 3 x 5 3/4 x 4 3/4", Gift of Rosalie and Sydney Shaftman, 2008.096