Dutch Regency Tortoiseshell Perfume Bottle Box, Circa 1830

An early 19th-century Dutch tortoiseshell perfume bottle box, circa 1830, of compact rectangular form with a softly domed lid, richly mottled shell veneer, and fine pale stringing around the body and lid seam. The front is fitted with a small circular push-button clasp, while the rear retains its metal hinge hardware, giving the box the character of a miniature casket or scent bottle case. The warm translucent tortoiseshell surface, with deep amber, chestnut, and dark brown figuring, gives the piece a jewel-like quality, especially in contrast to the mounts and dark interior lining.

Opening to reveal a fitted purple velvet-lined interior, the box houses a pair of square glass perfume or scent bottles with domed silvered metal caps. These fitted scent bottle cases were intimate luxury accessories, intended for the dressing table, travel, or personal toilette, and were often made in precious materials such as tortoiseshell, ivory, silver, glass, and velvet. The restrained form and crisp construction suggest Dutch or Northern European workmanship of the late Regency to early Biedermeier period, when small cabinet objects were prized for their refined materials, compact scale, and practical elegance.

Measurements: 2.75″ w x 1.625″ d x 2.25″ h.
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