POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Two crystal and silver perfume bottles in case

Object No. 2005/30/1

The use of scents, aromas and fragrances dates back to ancient civilisations with the Egyptians and Assyrians developing methods of extraction such as pressing, decoction and pulverization to produce essential oils. The late 18th century saw the introduction of synthetic fragrances and the large scale production of perfume followed making fragrance available to a mass market. Prior to the 20th century many women would either mix their own perfumes or would buy them from the local perfumer. These would be decanted into bottles which would be refilled over and over. Like these bottles, they were usually larger than modern examples and were intended to hold a woman's stock of perfume which she would decant into smaller bottles to fit into her bag.

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Summary

Object Statement

Perfume bottles with stoppers (2), in case, crystal / silver / silk / velvet / leather, maker unknown, England / Australia, c. 1900

Physical Description

Two matching perfume bottles, rectangular in shape made of cut crystal with silver bands around the necks. The silver is etched with floral design and the stoppers are rounded in shape. The bottles are stored in a squarish box lined with green velvet and silk fabric and covered with dark brown leather.

DIMENSIONS

Height

75 mm

Width

172 mm

Depth

185 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

These perfume bottles were made either in England or Australia in c.1900.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of the Royal Australian Historical Society, 1981

Acquisition Date

19 January 2005

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