Code: 10205
Dimensions:
Late Victorian glass scent bottle of circular cylindrical form, with unmarked silver mount inset with an Essex crystal displaying a brown faced fox with whiskers. The silver mount is hallmarked with the initials of George Brace, who specialised in vanity case items. The bottle was retailed by Maison L, Couplet a retailer located on the Montagne de la Cour, a historic hill in Brussels known for its luxury boutiques and proximity to the Royal Palace. The house flourished primarily during the Victorian and Art Nouveau eras (circa 1890s–1920s). The quality of the craving and decoration of fox and the fact that it was retailed in a high class shop, suggests it was made by one of the top makers. The bottle is engraved on the base with a star shape.
Essex crystal's are formed from a rock crystal cabochon (polished domes of rock crystal with a flat base), whereupon an image or motif is reverse carved into the flat base and then meticulously painted. This technique gives the impression of a three dimensional object or floating image encapsulated in the cabochon, especially when viewed from above. The process of carving into the back of the cabochon is referred to as a 'reverse carved intaglio' and this process was created in the 1860s, in what is known as the 'High Victorian Era'. This was a time of increased prosperity and as a consequence there was a higher demand for jewels, eye-catching adornment and novelty items
Condition - some wear to the GB hallmark, otherwise the bottle is in good condition.
