Antique French Blue Opaline Perfume Bottle c. 1860 Napoleon III Gilt Rococo Flacon with Flame Stopper
A Jewel of 19th-Century French Decorative Art
An extraordinary celebration of color, craftsmanship, and French Second Empire elegance, this magnificent antique blue opaline glass perfume bottle is a truly theatrical example of 19th-century decorative artistry.
Believed to date to approximately 1850–1870, most likely circa 1860, this remarkable flacon features luminous turquoise-blue opaline glass adorned with elaborate hand-applied gilding in swirling Rococo Revival motifs.
Standing an impressive 10 inches tall, the bottle possesses an unusually dramatic silhouette, rising from a broad circular pedestal foot into a slender neck crowned by an exuberantly ruffled, gilt-edged collar. Its elongated flame-form glass stopper completes the composition with an almost architectural flourish.
Exceptional Decorative Details
The richly ornamented body displays sweeping gold acanthus leaves, scrolling flourishes, and delicate floral accents. Fine internal linework adds depth and dimension to the gilded decoration.
A particularly distinctive feature is the narrow geometric band encircling the neck beneath the ruffled mouth, decorated with alternating circular and diamond-shaped gold motifs.
The scalloped collar is an intentional element of the original design, with gilding carefully following its dramatic undulating edge.
The combination of brilliant blue glass and elaborate gold ornamentation creates a striking expression of the opulence associated with Napoleon III-period French interiors.
Historical Significance & Attribution
Blue opaline glass was highly prized in 19th-century France, particularly during the Second Empire, when luxury glasshouses produced richly decorated objects for fashionable interiors and dressing tables.
The bottle‘s color, form, pedestal construction, elaborate gilding, and frilled collar are consistent with French opaline production of the mid-19th century.
Comparable forms and decorative techniques are documented in period French glass, including examples associated with the celebrated Baccarat and Saint-Louis glasshouses.
The precise manufacturer of this unmarked piece has not been established. Its attribution to French manufacture and approximate date are based on stylistic research rather than a documented factory identification.
Dimensions & Details
Height: Approximately 10 inches, including stopper
Maximum diameter: Approximately 4 inches
Weight: Approximately 0.92 lb (14.72 oz)
Material: Blue opaline glass with gilt decoration
Origin: Attributed to France
Period: Mid-19th century, Napoleon III era
Estimated date: Circa 1850–1870, probably circa 1860
Maker: Unmarked; manufacturer not confirmed
Style: French Second Empire, Rococo Revival, antique luxury vanity
Antique Condition
Beautifully preserved overall, with age-related wear to the gilded decoration consistent with its considerable age.
The elongated glass stopper has a visible chip/loss to its faceted insertion end, as documented in the photographs. There is also wear to the gilding near the stopper‘s pointed tip.
The dramatic ruffled collar is an intentional original design feature, not damage.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
The Eclectic Whimsy Perspective
Few antique objects capture the romance and theatricality of 19th-century French decorative arts quite like blue opaline glass.
With its luminous color, sweeping gilt ornamentation, and extraordinary silhouette, this flacon would be magnificent displayed upon an antique dressing table, gilded console, marble mantel, or curated collector‘s cabinet.
Equally suited to a Hollywood Regency interior, a romantic French salon, or an eclectic maximalist collection, this remarkable piece offers a beautiful intersection of history, craftsmanship, and decorative drama.
A distinctive antique for the collector who appreciates the extraordinary.
Shipping
Carefully packaged and shipped from Houston, Texas, with domestic shipping included in the listed price. The stopper will be protected and packed separately within the parcel.
Eclectic Whimsy Decor — Where history, artistry, and theatrical elegance meet.
An extraordinary celebration of color, craftsmanship, and French Second Empire elegance, this magnificent antique blue opaline glass perfume bottle is a truly theatrical example of 19th-century decorative artistry.
Believed to date to approximately 1850–1870, most likely circa 1860, this remarkable flacon features luminous turquoise-blue opaline glass adorned with elaborate hand-applied gilding in swirling Rococo Revival motifs.
Standing an impressive 10 inches tall, the bottle possesses an unusually dramatic silhouette, rising from a broad circular pedestal foot into a slender neck crowned by an exuberantly ruffled, gilt-edged collar. Its elongated flame-form glass stopper completes the composition with an almost architectural flourish.
Exceptional Decorative Details
The richly ornamented body displays sweeping gold acanthus leaves, scrolling flourishes, and delicate floral accents. Fine internal linework adds depth and dimension to the gilded decoration.
A particularly distinctive feature is the narrow geometric band encircling the neck beneath the ruffled mouth, decorated with alternating circular and diamond-shaped gold motifs.
The scalloped collar is an intentional element of the original design, with gilding carefully following its dramatic undulating edge.
The combination of brilliant blue glass and elaborate gold ornamentation creates a striking expression of the opulence associated with Napoleon III-period French interiors.
Historical Significance & Attribution
Blue opaline glass was highly prized in 19th-century France, particularly during the Second Empire, when luxury glasshouses produced richly decorated objects for fashionable interiors and dressing tables.
The bottle‘s color, form, pedestal construction, elaborate gilding, and frilled collar are consistent with French opaline production of the mid-19th century.
Comparable forms and decorative techniques are documented in period French glass, including examples associated with the celebrated Baccarat and Saint-Louis glasshouses.
The precise manufacturer of this unmarked piece has not been established. Its attribution to French manufacture and approximate date are based on stylistic research rather than a documented factory identification.
Dimensions & Details
Height: Approximately 10 inches, including stopper
Maximum diameter: Approximately 4 inches
Weight: Approximately 0.92 lb (14.72 oz)
Material: Blue opaline glass with gilt decoration
Origin: Attributed to France
Period: Mid-19th century, Napoleon III era
Estimated date: Circa 1850–1870, probably circa 1860
Maker: Unmarked; manufacturer not confirmed
Style: French Second Empire, Rococo Revival, antique luxury vanity
Antique Condition
Beautifully preserved overall, with age-related wear to the gilded decoration consistent with its considerable age.
The elongated glass stopper has a visible chip/loss to its faceted insertion end, as documented in the photographs. There is also wear to the gilding near the stopper‘s pointed tip.
The dramatic ruffled collar is an intentional original design feature, not damage.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
The Eclectic Whimsy Perspective
Few antique objects capture the romance and theatricality of 19th-century French decorative arts quite like blue opaline glass.
With its luminous color, sweeping gilt ornamentation, and extraordinary silhouette, this flacon would be magnificent displayed upon an antique dressing table, gilded console, marble mantel, or curated collector‘s cabinet.
Equally suited to a Hollywood Regency interior, a romantic French salon, or an eclectic maximalist collection, this remarkable piece offers a beautiful intersection of history, craftsmanship, and decorative drama.
A distinctive antique for the collector who appreciates the extraordinary.
Shipping
Carefully packaged and shipped from Houston, Texas, with domestic shipping included in the listed price. The stopper will be protected and packed separately within the parcel.
Eclectic Whimsy Decor — Where history, artistry, and theatrical elegance meet.
Antique French Blue Opaline Perfume Bottle c. 1860 Napoleon III Gilt Rococo Flacon with Flame Stopper
Sale price$375.00
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