
This tiny porcelain flask is shaped like a shell, with a fluted body that is painted with green and gold enamel. It has an 18k yellow gold screw cap, which is hallmarked, helping us to precisely date this little trinket.
The discovery of hard porcelain by Meissen in 1709 created a market for small luxury items that could be used every day. Tiny flasks were created to carry around a little bit of perfume. Since they were expensive and exclusively made for the upper classes, they were often gifted among friends and lovers.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 36 x 20 x 8 mm.
Weight: 3.77 grams.
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1810s.
Material: The flask is made from porcelain. The 18k gold cap carries a French rooster hallmark, which means it was made in France between 1809 and 1819.
Condition: This flask is in good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. There are a few minor losses to the enamel: this can be seen in the pictures. Originally, the flask would have had a tiny porcelain stopper, which was lost, and was replaced by a cork stopper.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes.