In all our research about this singular perfume scent bottle, nothing compares.
Hours have been spent combing major auction house archives and sale records, as well as renowned museums' online collections in the US, UK, and France. To date, nothing comes close.*
Created around 1820-30, this French 18k gold generously sized scent bottle ranks at the top of its form.
In astounding Rococo repouseé work, the front depicts a winged eros or cherub resting amid the clouds. A bow in hand, it is drawn back with its arrow about to strike its target with true love's aim. Surrounding the eros are six cabochons of bloodstone, bezel set with twisted wire borders.
At the edges, stylized waves, and ornamentation seem alive with visual movement all against a textured matte backdrop. A banded border of gold edges the whole.
The perfume top is also textured, and the lid is studded with a natural ruby and rose-cut diamonds. Facing the front and back, two petite flower appliques are worked in green and rose gold. At the base, rubies and natural pearls are placed.
Highly unusual, a magnificent hand-carved and three-dimensional bloodstone depicts yet another cherub. This time, it relies upon several quintessential Rococo design elements and is caught in the act of blowing bubbles.** In one hand rests a dish for the liquid bubble solution. One bubble is being blown, and two float nearby.
Along the edge are carved waves and patterns. Magnificently carved in low relief, the face, the hair, the billowing wrap, every detail superb.
An 18k gold chain is affixed from each side. At the apex, small gold rings allow this to be suspended.
In such immaculate condition, its French hallmark of a ram's head facing left, is still clear as the day it was applied. Only used from 1819 to 1838, this poinçon or mark indicates to us over 190 years later, when and where it was created. However, the style of this bottle, in Rococo, does resemble more closely items created in the mid-18th century.
For the true connoisseur, collector, or museum collection.
*Blowing bubbles was a pastime in the 18th century and beyond. There is even a representation of a cherub blowing bubbles in an Italian painting. A kind client passed along that often a cupid blowing bubbles or bubbles themselves symbolized the evanescent nature of love or "the time for love passes swiftly". A special thanks to KD for their input.
**Major museums with decorative objects and jewelry have been combed including the V&A, the Louvre, the British Museum, and the MET. One from the MET comes close, from 1760. Contact us to be emailed a link.
