Set of 4 magnificent perfume or salt bottles, called "corsetières" or corset bottles. They date from the 18th century and owe their name to the fact that they were worn in the ladies' corset, between their breasts.
The corset was imported to France in 1532 by Catherine de Medici. “This soon-to-be essential fashion accessory will experience dazzling success with idle women until the 1920s – with one exception in 1789 – because it highlights, refines and sometimes enhances their bodies.”
However, the corset proves to be dangerous for health in more than one way and in particular seriously reduces lung capacity. "This difficulty in breathing explains why women were constantly subject to discomfort, especially after meals and why a bottle of salts had to always be kept within reach. They were made to breathe to resuscitate them, but above all we was eager to unlace the object of the crime” (source: https://gallica.bnf.fr/blog/24112021/des-dangers-du-port-du-corset).
This is how fine salt bottles, called corsetières, were invented.
According to popular belief, these bottles also served as “tear catchers” or “tear catchers” during periods of mourning in the Victorian era, which is rather a legend!
The bottles offered here, all different, are made of cut glass and decorated with stylized patterns painted in fine gold.
They are in good general condition considering their age and have practically no chips (note: the decorations show traces of wear and the stoppers are missing because they were often made of cork, the bottle measuring 15.5 cm has 2 very small chips, 1 at the neck and 1 at the base (see photos) and the 9 cm one has 1 micro-chip on the almost invisible base). These are very beautiful, quality objects!
They will look great in a collector's window or in a cabinet of curiosities.
Bottle dimensions: 17.5 cm, 15.5 cm, 9.5 cm and 9 cm, total weight 208 g.
Free delivery for Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France.
Careful shipping.