Silver gilt filigree scent flask in the form of a pear, South Germany irca.1700

An exceptionally fine and rare silver gilt and filigree scent flask in the form of a pear.

South German, c.1700.

Measures 8.4 x 4.5cm.

The box is applied with silver filigree foliage and flowers with central stamen filaments highlighted in silver gilt, the pears stem and leaves also in silver gilt. The main body of the box comprises of two silver gilt halves which open by a single hinge. The stalk of our example is threaded and unscrews to allow the owner to smell its contents. The stalk does not currently unscrew as the leaves have been secured to the body with silver wire, most likely to protect them from being caught and damaged.

An identical example can be found in ‘Perfume and Pomanders, Scent and Scent Bottles through the Ages. From the Schwarzkopf Collection and European Museums’ by Edmund Launert, See page 115, fig. 82. It is catalogued as; '82 - Pear shaped smelling box, covered with a mass of filigree flowers. Silver, partly gilt. South Germany, c. 1700. H. 90 mm. Flips open in the middle. Twig with leaves un-screws. C. Schwarzkopf’.