Perfume bottle c. 19th century

This anonymous 19th-century glass perfume bottle, now at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a small but striking example of the craftsmanship of the period. The bottle's rich, teal-blue hue and faceted form, capped with a simple metal lid, would have held a fragrance intended for personal use. The diminutive size of the bottle, measuring 2 3/8 x 1 1/4 x 1in., suggests that it may have been intended for carrying in a pocket or small bag. Its intricate details and elegant design offer a glimpse into the personal care and fashion of the 19th century.