The boudoir, a woman’s private space, practically demands all things feminine and luxurious. While the boudoir in its most traditional sense belongs to a bygone age, M.S. Rau Antiques offers a number of pieces that evoke a similar sense of ladylike elegance and sophistication. Delicate objects such as petite boxes for one’s dresser and elegant, antique perfume bottles to hold an enticing scent are the perfect accoutrements for one’s most private, feminine space.
Antique glass perfume bottles have long been prized both for their functionality and as beautiful objects of art. Robert Ricci, with the house of Nina Ricci, stated “A perfume is a work of art, and the object that contains it must be a masterpiece.” A bottle that encloses an irresistible scent must be as striking and beautiful as the scent it envelops.
Through time, perfume bottles have come in a variety of shapes and styles. This stunning rock crystal perfume bottle exhibits all the characteristics necessary for an exquisite piece. Crafted by the important French firm of Jean-Baptiste Fossin and Son, the bottle embodies the elaborate elegance prevalent in 18th-century France. A delicate, gold figural lid of foliate and scrollwork designs is topped by a figure holding anchor, bringing a regal air to its graceful design. Importantly, this splendid objet d’art is housed in its original fitted case marked “Fossin et fils’ Joailliers du Roi/ 62 Rue Richellieu/ Paris.”
Likewise, this red glass perfume bottle is imbued with marks of sophistication and refinement. As in France, jewelers and artisans in London plunged into the growing market for ornamental perfumes. Thomas Robert Mellish, one such artisan, crafted this intricate bottle, which displays the most intricate details. Incredible silver gilt pierced work of inter-connected, swirling lines envelop the entire bottle in a web of ornamentation. The top of the bottle is adorned by even more gilt work that culminates in a graceful acanthus motif. The exquisite piece is housed in its original case.
While delicate perfumes hold the most luxurious scents, small trinket boxes are the ideal space to hold one’s most valuable jewelry and baubles. For centuries, women have collected beautiful small boxes to decorate their bedside tables and vanities. This gracefully crafted French crystal trinket box would have been the perfect addition to any elegant vanity. Exhibiting impeccable style, this box boasts a refined and deeply cut block motif. The box also boasts a delightful wreath and bow clasp crafted of doré bronze.
Similarly, this French cut crystal carriage box exudes the same stylishness and luxury. Cut in a diamond point motif, the enchanting box is crafted in the form of a carriage. Delicate wheels with exquisitely engraved roses at their center complete the charming design.
Crafted in styles and motifs to fit nearly any taste or preference, perfume bottles and trinket boxes add striking touches of charm and grandeur to any boudoir-like setting. Like these beautiful glass trinket boxes, the highly regarded Baccarat glass firm also crafted a wide variety of pieces that would suit any boudoir. Comprised of glass makers who were trained to execute pieces of high quality and craftsmanship, Baccarat produced exquisite pieces of fine detail and elegance, such as ornate chandeliers and sophisticated glassware. The celebrated company also produced intricate vases, trinket boxes, and perfume bottles: items perfect for a lady’s boudoir or vanity.
These exquisite boudoir treasures deserve only the most beautiful setting, such as a rare dressing table that is the perfect home for every lady’s necessities.
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