This exceptional antique French 18ct gold scent bottle container has a circular drop-shaped form.
The surface of the body is embellished with exceptional hot enamel decoration, in tones of royal blue, crimson red, white and emerald green.
The enamel decoration incorporates rosette designs and bands of stylised bud motifs, all accented with impressive finely detailed sinuous engraved decoration.
The scent bottle is fitted with a push fit cover ornamented with further enamel decoration and surmounted with a baluster-shaped finial.
The French gold scent bottle sits to the original, matching circular tray.
The tray is ornamented with a central green rosette design accented with bands of organic designs in further red and green tones.
The underside of the gold scent and tray are embellished with the engraved initial 'C' surmounted with a royal coronet.
The engraved heraldic garters are ornamented with the Latin motto 'Pro Deo Patria Amicis' - For God, Country, and Friends*.
The antique gold and enamel scent bottle with matching tray exemplifies decorative luxury through the integration of precious materials, fine enamelling, and coordinated design. The gold structure provides material richness and permanence, while the enamel work introduces colour, detail, and artistic depth through precision craftsmanship. As a matched set, the objects achieve visual cohesion and enhanced display presence, increasing both aesthetic and collectible value. Its historical character and ornamental refinement make it particularly suited to collectors of fine antique objects and interiors that emphasise elegance and period craftsmanship.
NOTE: * This provenance suggests a possible association with Elizabeth, Marchioness of Conyngham (1769–1861), courtier and noblewoman widely regarded as the final mistress of King George IV. Following the King's death in 1830, she relocated from Windsor to Paris and notably declined the substantial legacy of plate and jewels bequeathed to her. The piece may also relate to Anne Elizabeth Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville (1779–1836), Lady Kinloss, who married the future Duke of Buckingham and Chandos in 1796. Her son later held the title Marquess of Chandos (1822–1844). Although the recorded motto differs, its close similar and may indicate a familial or heraldic connection, strengthening the object's potential aristocratic and historical significance.
Date: Circa 1820
