English Perfume and Snuff Bottle

This rare and captivating English bottle contains a hidden treasure. Crafted of yellow gold and designed to hold perfume, snuff, or even smelling salts, this bottle is exquisitely decorated, from the bold applied acanthus leaves to the sparkling multi-colored gems, all set against a textured background. Concealed in the design on the back is a heart-shaped lid, which opens to reveal a pocket containing a tiny jewel cabochon. This tiny, personal touch indicates that this vessel was almost certainly a gift for a loved one, and makes this enchanting piece a true treasure. It's housed in its original fitted case.

Circa 1820

2 3/8” length

Works of skillful and attentive artistry, snuff containers were objects of beauty as well as utility. Comprised of powdered tobacco, usually blended with aromatic herbs or spices, snuff was first taken in the West and spread to China during the 17th century, becoming an established habit established in the 18th century. The most common way of carrying snuff was in a small bottle such as this, though ornate boxes were fashionable with the upper classes. Today, these bottles are among the most popular collectors’ items, due to the great variety of materials and decorative techniques used in their production. To find such an early example of such excellent quality is truly rare.