19th C. French Palais Royal Mother of Pearl Shell Perfume Caddy

We're quite enthusiastic to have acquired this amazing antique French Palais Royal mother of pearl perfume caddy.

"Louis Philippe II commercialized the Palais Royal by letting out the area under the Colonnades to retailers and service-providers, and in 1784 the shopping and entertainment complex opened to the public. The opulent Palais Royal retail outlets sold luxury goods such as fine jewelry, furs, paintings and furniture to the wealthy elite. Designed to attract the genteel middle class, the Palais-Royal sold luxury goods at relatively high prices. However, prices were never a deterrent, as these new arcades came to be the place to shop and to be seen. Arcades offered shoppers the promise of an enclosed space away from the chaos that characterized the noisy, dirty streets; a warm, dry space away from the elements, and a safe haven where people could socialize and spend their leisure time."

This caddy has all of the bells and whistles. Three gorgeous, large mother of pearl shells surround a deep pink crystal perfume bottle. There are gilt metal leaves and flower on the alabaster base.

The caddy is in excellent condition. It measures 11-1/2" tall to the top of the bottle and approx. 5-1/2" wide at the base. No chips or cracks to the glass.

An absolutely stunning Palais Royal piece!