Gold and Enamel Chatelaine Perfume Bottle

Encapsulated in brilliant enamels in an exquisite homage to love, this perfume bottle is a stunning 19th-century French objet d'art. Mounted in 18K yellow and rose gold, this perfume would have been attached to a chatelaine, a jewelry chain worn by women to conveniently hold small necessities long before purses became fashionable. A form dating to Ancient Rome, the chatelaine grew into a status symbol for women of the house who would suspend the keys to various doors, cupboards, drawers and such, signifying she was the head of the household due to her access to secure areas of the home. The chatelaine soon gained great popularity in the 19th century as a stylish accessory, holding everything from perfumes, scissors and thimbles, to watches, vinaigrettes and the like. Specimens such as this perfume were crafted by skilled jewelers utilizing luxurious materials to elevate the chatelaine to an art form. Opulent examples can today be found in the collections of prestigious museums including London's British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Late 19th Century

1 1/2" wide x 3 1/2" length