Swan-shaped perfume bottle

Silver enamelled perfume swan bottle, Vienna, between 1872 and 1881, Hermann Ratzerdorfer. This perfume bottle has a red velvet base onto which the swan’s body is mounted. The body features an enamelled design depicting the banks of a river teeming with lizards. The underside, also enamelled, displays a scattering of flowers against a gilded background. In a naturalistic pose, the swan stands with its long, S-shaped neck stretched out, which opens halfway up to reveal a clasp in the shape of a red necklace.

Hermann Ratzerdorfer (1815–1881), who worked in Vienna from 1843 onwards, was the son of antique dealers. He produced numerous high-quality mounted pieces modelled on Renaissance goldsmithing.

Period: 1872–1881

Dimensions:
Height: 9.5 cm
Width: 6 cm
Condition: Restoration to the plumage and base.