Wonderful Objet d’Art – 18k Gold Acorn Shaped Vinaigrette with Gorgeous Floral Enamelling, Early 19th Century

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An exquisite object d’art, this acorn shaped ” vinaigrette” is 18k gold with beautiful floral enamelling. The miniature basin, which was used to hold fabric or cotton infused with fragrance of vinegar-based perfumes or smelling salts. Its exterior is decorated with enamelling of multicolored bouquets of flowers framed in gold scrollwork and rinceau on a pastel pink and blue background. The hinged interior grill is richly decorated with rinceau and openwork foliage. There are 2 small stones, one clear on the lid and one pink centered just below the lid, possibly a ruby. Due to its age and handling the enamelling is slightly worn exposing the 18k gold guilloche or engine turned surface below which does not detract from the visual impact.

Vinaigrettes, considered objects d’art, were not only practical containers for aromatic substances but also fashionable, decorative items reflecting the owner’s taste and status.They were popular from the late 18th century through the mid-19th century, initially carried by both men and women, but later becoming primarily a feminine accessory. During the Victorian era, they were seen as an exclusively feminine item, worn around the neck, carried in a pocket, or hung from a chatelaine.
A wonderful collector’s piece!
Dimensions: height 1.25″ x depth 0.75″

$7,500.00

1 in stock

Product ID: 106945 Categories: ,

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