N4804

Definative

Lavender - France

Collins Cover Announcement 

Herbs 

Lavender

From the Latin verb "lavare" meaning "to wash" this plant was used by early Romans to scent their baths. Today lavender oil remains a popular scent in soap and other toiletries. Its use as a perfume began with the ancient Phoenicians and Egyptians, and currently it is one of the world's favorite fragrances. In fact, the flowers are often dried and made into sachets for linens and lingerie.

My individually hand painted cachet depicts these products in the lower right, while the plant itself is shown at the far left. The large, bold, ornate "L" continues to be the signature feature for this Collins herb set of five, and it is watercolored in a lovely lavender shade. In the center is a French chateau

representing a country renown for its perfume industry — France.

In 16th Century England, women and men had the spicy-smelling flowers quilted into their hats to "comfort the brains." In European zoos, lions and tigers grow docile from the scent of lavender water according to 20th Century herbalist Maud Grieve. Thus, if you would like to bring a comforting and relaxing visual to your Collins collection, now ready is my watercolored cachet that pays tribute to the wonderful herb that adds its scent to the famous perfumes of France — lavender. Collins #N4804 at $14.00.