It’s always nice to get a decent collection consigned for sale, and the latest we have had in really has made my Christmas. Put together over the years by a lady called Joyce Paretti, this stunning range of perfume bottles displays the tremendous levels of artistic talent and craftsmanship dedicated to creating these little jewels from the 17th century onwards.
Mostly just and inch or two long, so as to fit snugly into a pocket, these would have been carried everywhere, both as a means of making the owner smell nice, but also to help them overcome the often noxious odours that would have assaulted their nostrils as they made their way about town.
Made from silver, glass, enamel, porcelain and rock crystal, they are an ideal collectable, because they are so varied and attractive, have strong historic and social links and are small enough to allow a collector to build up a significant holding without the need to build an extension at home.
Each one unlocks a fascinating story as you research who made it and where it came from. My favourite from this selection? Probably the mid 18th century Derby porcelain perfume bottle and stopper fashioned as a tree with a striped cat pursuing two turtle doves up it.
Watch out for more to come form this collection in future sales.
