French 19th-century Mother-of-pearl Egg-shaped Perfume Caddy On Alabaster Base

An egg-shaped scent bottle caddy featuring two iridescent mother-of-pearl shells opening like a flower.Gilded brass or bronze mounts ornamented with a beaded border motif along the edges, opened via a central rod topped with a carved flower motif.
The interior houses two miniature mother-of-pearl encased scent bottles held in pierced gilt metal holders.
Supported on a circular alabaster pedestal base.
France, Second Empire period (19th century, circa 1860-1870).
H_11.5 cm D_7.5 cm.
Very good overall condition.

Mother-of-pearl luxury trinkets and perfume caddies mounted in chased gilded bronze were highly coveted vanity items during the French 19th century. The delicate luster of the nacre shells combined with beaded gilt trim and an alabaster base reflects the whimsical sophistication typical of Restoration and Second Empire objet de vertu.