Extraordinary Silver Mounted Blue Glass Scent Bottle. German, Late 18th Century.

An extraordinary silver mounted blue glass combination scent bottle with pomanders, pill and patch boxes.

German, late 18th century.

Measures 11.3 x 6.4 x 4.6cm.

The elaborate silver work has a strong floral theme with twisting vines, fruits, flowers and acorns covering the vibrant blue glass bottle within. The top supported by a chain unscrews to reveal its original silver stopper, two pomanders in the form of pomegranates supported by leafs can be found to either side on the shoulders. Discretely hinged rosebuds can be found to each side, most likely to contain patches, which were small dark spots or shapes placed on the face, neck and chest to hide imperfections and highlight the whiteness of the skin. The final secret to this little wonder is found at the base which also unscrews to reveal another secret compartment.

This tour de force and probably unique scent bottle is reminiscent of the small turned pomanders produced in Germany throughout the 18th century, often in egg, pear or acorn form but also needlecases, seals and sometimes whistles, they are profusely turned concealing multiple secret openings for pills, patches and scent.