Scent bottle 18th-19th century

This striking blue scent bottle was made anonymously, from glass. The material, while commonplace today, was once considered precious, like a jewel. Notice the way the glass is molded with a repeating pattern. This would have involved skilled labor to create the mold, and then further labor to press the molten glass into the desired form. The deep blue hue is no accident either; it was achieved through careful addition of metallic oxides to the glass mixture. The scent bottle's diminutive size suggests it was designed for personal use, maybe carried in a pocket or a purse. Its beauty elevates the everyday act of smelling good into a luxurious experience. This object connects us to a time when even small, functional items were infused with artistry. Appreciating the craft involved challenges our modern tendency to separate art from design, and maker from user.