STYLE
ERA
French Hand-Painted Swallow Portable Perfume Bottle Pendant with Original Stopper c.1870
This French perfume bottle from the 1870s is crafted from brass with a hand-painted swallow design on the glass body.
Although the idea of traveling back in time might seem appealing, life in 19th-century Europe was likely less glamorous than imagined. Since the outbreak of the Black Death in the mid-14th century, people believed that bathing opened pores, allowing diseases to enter the body. Consequently, from commoners to royalty, people began to avoid bathing. With modern sewage systems yet to be developed, cities and individuals were extremely dirty and malodorous. The wealthy used makeup and copious amounts of perfume to mask their filthy faces and body odors, while the poor struggled in squalid conditions. Victor Hugo's 1862 novel "Les Misérables" depicts the hardships and filth of the impoverished. It wasn't until the mid-19th century, with the promotion of hygiene education and Napoleon III's sewer reforms, that improvements slowly began. The necessity of perfume bottles in this context is evident.
The bottle features a hand-painted swallow in flight on its golden-hued, streamlined body. The intricate details make the bird appear lively and vivid. In literature, swallows symbolize resilience and diligence, carrying a simple and positive meaning. Opening the bottle reveals a glass stopper sealing the bottle’s mouth. To open it, one can immerse the bottle upside down in hot water, utilizing thermal expansion to release the stopper. It is advisable not to submerge the painted swallow to maintain the artwork’s integrity.
The metal ring on the bottle chain is quite large, designed to be worn as a pendant or looped over a finger for easy access to the fragrance. Adding your favorite perfume or essential oil can provide a moment of tranquility in a noisy environment or serve as a charming vintage accessory at parties.
The perfume bottle comes with a leather tooled box, likely not the original, but will be included with the purchase. It is in good antique condition, with normal oxidation and signs of wear. Since the assessment of condition is highly subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to view more detailed conditions as a basis for your judgment.
chain 4cm long
loop 2.2 cm in diameter