Perfume bottle and case, English or French, glass, gold, enamel, shagreen, about 1770
Key information
Museum number
C925
Object
Perfume bottle and case, English or French, glass, gold, enamel, shagreen, about 1770
Gallery label
Perfume bottle and case
English or French
Glass, gold, enamel, shagreen case, about 1770
C925
Smallness appeals through intricacy and craftsmanship. This exquisite cut-glass scent bottle sits within an enamelled gold sleeve that is itself protected by a finely-made fish skin case. If you pull out the stopper you can still smell attar of roses, an expensive eighteenth-century perfume.
Portable objects for personal use are often beautifully made and decorated. As well as being useful they can delight the owner and impress onlookers. In the eighteenth century exquisite and often eye-wateringly expensive personal accessories became essential indicators of a person’s rank and taste.
English or French
Glass, gold, enamel, shagreen case, about 1770
C925
Smallness appeals through intricacy and craftsmanship. This exquisite cut-glass scent bottle sits within an enamelled gold sleeve that is itself protected by a finely-made fish skin case. If you pull out the stopper you can still smell attar of roses, an expensive eighteenth-century perfume.
Portable objects for personal use are often beautifully made and decorated. As well as being useful they can delight the owner and impress onlookers. In the eighteenth century exquisite and often eye-wateringly expensive personal accessories became essential indicators of a person’s rank and taste.
On display?
Yes
