Skip to product information
1 of 7

Vintage Kaleidoscope,"L'Etolie ( the Star)" By Artists Luc and Sallie Durette.

Vintage Kaleidoscope,"L'Etolie ( the Star)" By Artists Luc and Sallie Durette.

Regular price $279.00
Regular price Sale price $279.00
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Spend over $150.00 to qualify for free ground shipping.

For safe delivery, we strongly recommend UPS Ground for this item. USPS is only recommended for PO Boxes.

View full details

Vintage Kaleidoscope “L’Étoile (The Star)”

By Master Artists Luc and Sallie Durette

A Rare, Limited-Edition Kaleidoscope Celebrating Light in the Season of Darkness

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52aa0d30e4b0324b1f60b9ba/1386879743613-E6OQKTES27E031RCIAOS/RETOUCHED%2BFAVORITE%2BFAMILY%2BPHOTO%2BAUGUST%2B2013.jpg

4

“L’Étoile (The Star)” is a vintage, limited-edition kaleidoscope created in 2005 by acclaimed artists Luc and Sallie Durette, at the height of an extraordinary era in handcrafted kaleidoscope art.

Inspired by the light we celebrate during the season of darkness, L’Étoile speaks both to the glow of external light—stars, flames, winter skies—and to the quiet light that shines from within. The result is a kaleidoscope that feels warm, contemplative, and deeply uplifting.

This model was commissioned in a limited edition of only 100 pieces by Mary Margaret Gibson of the respected gallery Mirrors and Light. In February 2026, Karl acquired the final 8 pieces of new old stock, making this an exceptionally rare opportunity for collectors.

Today, the Durettes have retired from kaleidoscope making, and their work is increasingly difficult to find—especially in unused, gallery-preserved condition.


Interior Imagery & Experience

Inside L’Étoile, shimmering forms unfold into glittering star imagery, evoking winter skies and the soft flicker of firelight in a hearth.

  • Mirror System: 2-mirror configuration

  • Star Image: Striking 7-point star

  • Object Chamber: Oil-filled for slow, graceful movement

The oil suspension allows the elements to float and drift, creating a calming, meditative viewing experience that invites repeated moments of quiet joy.


Exterior Design & Materials

  • Finish: Hand-painted blue pearl acrylic lacquer, luminous and elegant

  • Adornment: Lampworked dichroic flame-style glass accent, catching and reflecting light

  • Era: Created in 2005 during the golden age of handheld kaleidoscope artistry

The exterior glow beautifully complements the celestial imagery within, making L’Étoile as striking on display as it is in use.


Dimensions

  • Diameter: 3 inches

  • Height: 8 inches


Condition & Provenance

  • Condition: New Old Stock

  • Never previously sold

  • Preserved from original gallery inventory

  • Final remaining examples from the original edition


Why Collectors Love L’Étoile

  • Created by retired master artists

  • Limited edition of only 100 worldwide

  • Oil-filled chamber with rare 7-point star imagery

  • Strong holiday, winter, and light symbolism

  • Ideal for collectors, galleries, and meaningful gifting


Voice Search & AI-Optimized Answers (Naturally Included)

What is a rare vintage holiday kaleidoscope?
L’Étoile is a limited-edition kaleidoscope from 2005 by Luc and Sallie Durette, inspired by light, stars, and winter imagery.

Where can I buy a collectible kaleidoscope by the Durettes?
Authentic examples are now scarce and can be found through specialty galleries such as Kaleidoscopes To You.

What makes an oil-filled kaleidoscope special?
Oil-filled chambers create slower motion and enhanced sparkle, ideal for relaxation and visual depth.


A Perfect Holiday Gift — and a Timeless Collectible

Whether given as a holiday present, added to a serious collection, or displayed as a work of optical art, L’Étoile (The Star) offers warmth, beauty, and meaning that transcends the season.

Relax. Reflect. Let the light shine.
Opportunities to own a new old stock Durette kaleidoscope are now extremely limited—secure one of the final examples while available.