Lithyalin Scent Bottle c. 1830

This lithyalin scent bottle was made by Friedrich Egermann. Notice the bottle's smooth and polished surface, it seems to beckon you to reach out and grasp it. The overall structure has a dual existence, caught between geometric precision and organic fluidity. The octagonal base rises into a swelling, curvilinear form, topped with a spherical stopper. It feels as if Egermann is challenging the very notion of form, asking whether an object can simultaneously embody structure and suppleness. The coloration enhances this tension. The stone-like swirls mimic natural patterns. Yet, the bottle’s symmetry and carefully delineated facets remind us of its artificial construction. It's as if nature and artifice are engaged in a silent dialogue, each vying for dominance within the object's form. This interplay suggests a complex reflection on our perception of beauty, and our desire to both emulate and control the natural world.