Lalique perfume / scent bottle

In the Victorian era scent bottles were often made of pressed glass, with silver or silver-plate rims and cut glass or imitation cut glass stoppers.

Generally, the customer purchased the bottle empty and had it filled by a chemist or perfumier, as ready filled bottles of perfume were not yet on the market.

The variety of shapes was enormous. The larger scent bottles were made in the shape of flagons or decanters. In the 1870s a new design was produced: the double ended bottle. This was a slim cylindrical bottle with a round or polygonal surface. Some were produced more... in clear glass, some coloured dark blue, red, green, or yellow, and some were decorated in the Nailsea style. At each end were silver or plated caps, which were heavily chased or moulded. One half of the bottle was for scent and usually had a screw cap, while the other end was hinged, often spring loaded for fast access, and was for smelling salts.

Some bottles hinged in the middle, and when you opened them there was the grating of a vinaigrette on one side and on the other a recess with a glass-covered photograph. The outer ends had normal hinge- or screw-caps so that either part of the bottle could be filled with scent.

The production of scent bottles continued into the twentieth century, though it became more customary to buy scent in ready-filled bottles from cosmetic houses. These 'package' bottles in themselves have become the object of much decorative skill, and no doubt in the not-too-distant future they will be sought after by collectors.

Some manufacturers supplied scent bottles with rubber bulbs, which could be attached to the top of the bottle to produce a fine spray of scent. Although some types of scent bottle can be expensive, there are still many examples available at a reasonable price. less...

Lalique glass is named after its founder, René Lalique, who was born in Ay, a small town in France in 1860. Lalique was a French glass designer and artist who is considered one of the most influential figures in the Art Nouveau movement. Lalique's fascination with glass started at a young age when he was apprenticed to a jeweller. He later went on to study at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and then worked for several leading Parisian jewellers.

In 1885, Rene Lalique opened his own jewellery workshop in Paris, where he began to experiment with glass. more... He developed a new style of glass that was more translucent and refractive than traditional glass, and he began to incorporate it into his jewelry designs. Lalique's jewellery quickly gained popularity, and he became known as one of the leading designers of the Art Nouveau movement.

In the early 1900s, Lalique expanded his work into glassware and decorative objects. He created vases, bowls, perfume bottles, and other objects that were adorned with intricate designs and patterns. Lalique was particularly interested in the relationship between light and glass, and he experimented with different techniques to create a unique look for his glassware. He was also known for his use of natural forms and motifs, such as flowers, animals, and insects.

Lalique's glassware was highly sought after and was collected by many wealthy patrons. His work was exhibited at major exhibitions, including the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900 and the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Lalique also worked with other artists of the time, including the famous Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha.

After Lalique's death in 1945, his son Marc Lalique took over the business and continued to produce Lalique glassware. Under Marc's leadership, the company expanded its product line to include crystal sculptures, chandeliers, and other decorative objects. Marc Lalique also collaborated with other artists, such as Salvador Dalí and Georges Braque.

Lalique continues to produce a wide range of glassware and decorative objects, all of which are handmade and crafted using traditional techniques. Lalique glass can be found in museums and private collections around the world and is considered as one of the most iconic examples of Art Nouveau glass design. less...