French Perfume Bottle in Enamel and Solid Gold

Description From our Collectables category, we are pleased to offer this exceptional French Perfume Bottle in Enamel and Solid 18k Gold dating to the Belle Époque period, circa 1875. The bottle is formed in a classic teardrop shape, mounted in 18k gold and decorated in a rich pink enamel. Each side features a finely painted Renaissance-style scene, one depicting a trio of seated females with winged cherubs, the other a playful vignette of cherubs amongst garlands and floral baskets. The enamel painting is of superb quality, rendered in soft grisaille tones with accents of rose, giving the piece both warmth and depth. The lid is similarly decorated, with a seated cherub surrounded by flowers. The gold mount is intricately detailed with rope work borders and chased panels, and the bottle retains its original internal stopper with traces of the original cork. It bears three French eagle head hallmarks confirming the use of solid 18k gold. A beautiful and rare survival, this perfume bottle sits firmly within the decorative traditions of the Belle Époque, where personal luxury items were often both functional and artistically ambitious. A collector’s piece of exceptional refinement and quality. ABOUT THE BELLE ÉPOQUE PERIOD (1871-1914) The Belle Époque, meaning “Beautiful Era,” was a golden age of French and European culture, spanning from 1871 to 1914. This period was defined by optimism, innovation, and artistic achievement, particularly in Paris, the centre of fashion, decorative arts, and design. Art Nouveau flourished, alongside exquisite creations in silver, bronze, glass, and jewellery, produced by celebrated makers for an international audience. Collectors prize Belle Époque pieces for their elegance, refined detail, and the way they reflect the cultural sophistication of late 19th and early 20th-century France. For further information please see our article The Belle Époque Era in France: Art, Antiques and a Golden Age of Creativity. ABOUT THE MATERIAL ENAMEL (vitreous enamel) also known as porcelain enamel, is a material made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 °C. The powder melts, flows, and then hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating. The word vitreous comes from the Latin vitreous, meaning “glassy”. THE MEANING Renaissance Renaissance, meaning “rebirth” in French, refers to the period of artistic and cultural revival that began in Italy around 1400. Inspired by the rediscovery of classical art and ideas, the Renaissance laid the foundation for many of Europe’s greatest artistic movements. Its influence has continued for over six centuries, shaping the worlds of fine art, design, architecture and decorative objects. Within the antiques market, Renaissance and Renaissance Revival styles remain highly sought after, with many later pieces consciously drawing from classical themes, often described as “after the antique.” Measurements 11cm High x 4.5cm Wide x 2cm Deep ( 4.3 x 1.77 x 0.8 inches) Condition Excellent, no damage and no restoration WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.