Meissen Porcelain Perfume Bottle - Early 19th Century

A rare and large perfume bottle in the shape of a double-bulged gourd. The body, entirely enameled, is decorated with a rich polychrome and gold design, combining flowers, arabesques, and rocaille scrolls arranged symmetrically. On each bulge stand out polylobed reserves, finely framed with gilded rocaille ornaments, enclosing small gallant scenes. The entire decoration is completed with floral motifs, cascading foliage, stylized scrolls, and small painted cartouches. The bottle is covered with a gilt bronze stopper, crafted in the shape of a blooming flower, attached to the neck by its original chain. Mark: In blue (worn but still visible). Dimensions: Height 15.3 cm - Diameter 6.8 cm. Condition: Excellent. Period: Early 19th century. This type of bottle, often given as a refined gift or included in the travel kits of wealthy families, reflects the strong taste, between 1780 and 1820, for delicate little objects and scenes of romance. Porcelain perfume bottles are rare today for a simple reason: porcelain, beautiful but fragile, was not ideal for preserving essences. It could chip, was not perfectly watertight, and proved less practical than glass, crystal, or metal. Furthermore, their creation required considerable work: tiny molds, decorations painted with a very fine brush, metal mounts fitted by hand… All these steps made them expensive pieces, intended for a wealthy clientele. Conceived primarily as luxury items or sentimental gifts, rather than for everyday use, these bottles enjoyed only a relatively brief period of popularity, between 1760 and 1830. Their fragility and limited production explain why so few examples have survived, and why those that remain seem so precious to us today. PAYMENT and SHIPPING ACCEPTED PAYMENTS: BANK TRANSFER / PAYPAL / BANK TRANSFER / CREDIT CARD online or by CHECK. PACKAGES WILL BE MAILED WITHIN 4 DAYS. COMBINED SHIPPING IS AVAILABLE FOR MULTIPLE PURCHASES.