Late 19th century egg-shaped opaline glass perfume bottle and holder

Exquisitely designed in the form of an egg cradled within a basket, this gilt metal and opaline glass perfume bottle and holder is an unusual and highly collectible piece of 19th-century decorative art. Both whimsical and refined, it seamlessly blends artistic craftsmanship with functional elegance.

The ormolu holder is masterfully fashioned to resemble a tall, intricately woven basket, its surface adorned with ornate clusters of grapes and curling vines.

At the heart of the composition lies a smooth, pale pink opaline glass half-egg. Nestled securely in the centre of the basket, it opens on a hinge to reveal a perfume bottle within, crafted from matching glass and gilt decoration. The underside of the lid features a mirrored surface.

Both decorative and functional, this piece would have served as a luxurious accessory on a lady’s dressing table, embodying both the romanticism and sophistication of its era. A testament to the opulence and creativity of 19th-century design, it remains a captivating object of desire for collectors and connoisseurs alike.