Bibelot refers to small decorative objects or beautifully crafted miniature books, often collectible and valuable. The word comes from the French for “beautiful” and can be handmade or commercially produced. They are popular souvenirs and gifts, but displays can become cluttered. Handcrafted bibelots can fetch tidy sums and art schools offer courses on making them.
The term “bibelot” is used for two different things. In the first sense, a bibelot is a small decorative object or trinket; the word is closely related to “bauble,” which essentially means the same thing. The word is also used to describe beautifully crafted miniature books. In both senses, a bibelot is a collectible and often valuable item that can have a rich history and sentimental value.
The word is French and comes from the Latin bellus, meaning “beautiful.” Bibelots can also be described as trinkets, tchotchkes, knick-knacks, trifles, novelties, and whatnot. They can be exquisite and handmade, or more crude, commercially produced. The value of a bibelot varies, depending on its age and how it was made; some are actually quite valuable, while others are worth more in terms of sentiment than funds.
It’s not uncommon for people to collect bibelots when they go travelling. When they return, these items serve as souvenirs of the adventure and can be displayed around the home and used as conversation pieces. Many travelers also like to give bibelots as small gifts to friends when they return from travel, letting the friends know that the traveler was thinking of them. Many popular tourist destinations have markets filled with such products, which cater to the tourist demographic.
Some interior design schemes encourage the display of small artefacts, either as stand-alone units or as part of a larger display such as a cabinet of curiosities. Some people complain that displays of such items can start to look cluttered and chaotic if they’re not well organized, especially when bibelots from different provenances are displayed. It can also be difficult to navigate a room full of such ornaments, especially if they are fragile.
In the betting world, some people like to hand-craft bibelots as special gifts. They may have tooled leather covers complete with precious metal and gemstone ornaments and other decorative elements. The book itself may be handwritten, with illustrations also meticulously created by hand. Bibelots made by famous authors and bookbinders can fetch tidy sums, and a handcrafted bibelot can also be a pleasant gift for a friend. Art schools with bookbinding programs often offer courses designed specifically for people who want to create miniature books, for people interested in making their own bibelots.
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