Dressing Table Items
Vinaigrettes
Vinaigrettes, popular from the late 18th century through the mid-19th century, were small containers used for holding various aromatic substances, usually dissolved in vinegar. A tiny piece of sponge, soaked in the liquid, was contained beneath a grill or perforated... Read More →
Derby Porcelain Scent Bottles
Porcelain scent bottles were extremely popular throughout the second half of the 18th century. The charming "toys" made at the Chelsea factory were especially popular, produced in the shapes of various figures, animals, fruits, and other objects. Even while the craze for these charming items flourished, there was another more formal style of porcelain scent bottle that continued in popularity in England and on the continent.... Read More →
Perfume Étuis
The 18th century saw the proliferation of pocket-sized nécessaires, often called étuis, with miniature items, such as sewing kits, writing kits, and tiny toilettes that included scent vials. A perfume étui contains only bottles for perfume, and sometimes a tiny funnel for... Read More →
Bristol Glass Scent Bottles in Silver Case
A shagreen case holds a sterling case which holds two tiny Bristol green scent bottles with gilt... Read More →
Throwaway Scent Bottles
In the late 18th century, perfume became available to the masses when perfumers and chemists began selling or giving away as samples tiny amounts in inexpensive, disposable containers. These simple, naïve bottles came to be known as "throwaways" since they were generally tossed out when empty.... Read More →
Scent Bottle with Patch Box
This shield-shaped scent bottle is made of clear faceted cut class, is English, and dates to c1790. The center is inset with a sterling engraved patch box which hinges open to reveal its internal compartment and mirror... Read More →
Perfume Bottle with Spyglass
This bright cut glass bottle is coil-shaped with a miniature gilt brass retractable monocular spyglass fitted into the... Read More →
Portable Cosmetic Cases
Small compartmentalized boxes appeared in the mid-18th century in France for holding face patches, those tiny bits of velvet or moleskin worn on the face as beauty marks. They were called boîtes à mouche or patch boxes... Read More →
Portable Powder Box
This small wooden sphere, c1770, is about the size of a ping-pong ball. Made of polished walnut, it has a small mother-of-pearl disk inlaid on the top. It is bisected in the middle, as it is two pieces screwed together. When unscrewed, it reveals it miniature powder puff.... Read More →