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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