French Scent Bottle

This French scent bottle, dating back to circa 1840, is a striking example of opaline glass craftsmanship. The stand-up bottle features a harmonious blend of white and yellow opaline glass with precisely cut yellow edges. Both the front and the reverse of the bottle are adorned with gilded floral motifs, showcasing intricate designs of flowers and leaves. The bottle is capped with a silver gilt hinged lid, which includes an internal glass stopper, ensuring the secure containment of fragrances. The piece bears a French discharge mark, indicating its authenticity and provenance, and has been tested to contain 18ct gold plating.

Condition Report

The overall condition of this scent bottle is very good, with minimal wear that is consistent with its age and usage. The opaline glass remains vibrant, with no visible cracks or chips. The gilded floral motifs retain their lustre, although minor fading can be discerned upon close inspection, typical for items of this period. The silver gilt lid functions smoothly, and its hinge remains intact, allowing for secure closure. The internal glass stopper is present and undamaged, adding to the completeness of this piece. Collectors will appreciate the preservation of such a fine example of 19th-century glassware.

Dimensions

Weight: 50gm, Length: 3.5cm, Width: 1.5cm, Height: 7.5cm.

A Scent Bottle of Distinction

This opaline scent bottle was designed to store and dispense fragrant oils or perfumes, a common practice among the French elite in the 19th century. Scent bottles were often carried as personal items, reflecting the owner's taste and social standing. The elegance of this bottle, with its detailed gilding and opaline glass, would have made it a cherished personal accessory, likely kept on a dressing table or within a lady’s boudoir. Its compact size and secure silver gilt lid made it suitable for travel, ensuring a personal fragrance was always at hand.

Refined Craftsmanship of the 19th Century

This scent bottle exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of 19th-century France, where opaline glass was highly prized for its milky, translucent quality. The gilded floral motifs are hand-applied, indicative of the meticulous attention to detail favoured during this era. This bottle's style aligns with the Romantic period, where naturalistic themes in decorative arts were prevalent. The use of opaline glass, alongside the gilding, underscores the opulent tastes of the time, reflecting both artistic and material wealth.

The Opaline Glass Technique

The creation of opaline glass involves a complex process where various metal oxides are added to achieve the characteristic milky appearance. This scent bottle’s opaline components would have been carefully crafted to achieve the even colouration seen in the white and yellow sections. The cut edges demonstrate precise glass cutting techniques, enhancing the bottle's visual appeal. The gilding process involves the application of gold leaf or powder, which is then fired to adhere permanently to the glass surface. The silver gilt lid adds a metallic contrast, highlighting the skilled metalworking techniques of the period.

Crafted by a French Artisan

The French discharge mark on this scent bottle attests to its origin in France, a country renowned for its luxury goods and fine craftsmanship in the 19th century. While the exact maker remains unidentified, the quality of the materials and the refinement of the design suggest an artisan well-versed in the creation of opaline glass objects. The combination of opaline glass and gilded decoration was a hallmark of high-quality French glassware, indicating this piece was likely produced by a skilled artisan or workshop catering to the upper echelons of society.

Sought After by Collectors of Opaline Glass

Collectors of opaline glass seek pieces like this scent bottle for their historical significance and aesthetic appeal. The 19th century saw a surge in the popularity of opaline glass across Europe, and pieces from this period are valued for their craftsmanship and beauty. Scent bottles, in particular, offer a glimpse into the personal luxury items of the past, making them desirable to those interested in the history of fashion and decorative arts. The combination of opaline glass with gilded decoration makes this piece a noteworthy addition to any collection focused on French glassware or 19th-century decorative arts.