Since its debut in 2018, Espinosa’s Las 6 Provincias line has incorporated both unique packaging and artwork to its releases, and the third installment was no different.
The series gets its name from the original six provinces of Cuba, and after debuting with a cigar that paid tribute to La Habana, and a second release dedicated to Matanzas, it was Las Villas’ time to get honored. To do so, the company enlisted the help of artist Eden Gutierrez to decorate a limited edition run of 1,000 curio-style boxes that stand 16 inches high and 7 1/2 inches wide.
To do that, Gutierrez created a scene that looks like a stained glass window on top with a set of doors on the main section, with views looking out to the region’s landscape, which reflects its history of being the center of the Cuban cattle industry in the 18th and 19th centuries before shipping to sugar production in the 20th century.
The inner section of the lid adds yet another scene, this time in more detail, and one that makes the decision as to how to display it a difficult one given both are so well done. This is not just a cigar box you hold onto, it is one you proudly display as the piece of art that it is, which is why it landed on this year’s Packaging Awards. — Patrick Lagreid.
