Pendant scent bottle

Art Historical Context

This exquisite pendant scent bottle, crafted German goldsmith Reinhold V around 1870–90, exemplifies the Renaissance Revival style that captivated 19th-century collectors. Vasters, based in Aachen, specialized in luxurious jewelry mimicking 16th-century designs, blending historical authenticity with opulence. Measuring just 6.7 cm high, this piece from the Robert Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art likely worn as a gentleman's accessory—hinted by its "Men" tag—allowing discreet perfume application in an era when personal scent was a mark of refinement. Fashioned from enameled gold and agate, the bottle showcases Vasters' mastery of enamel techniques, such as cloisonné or translucent plaqué-à-jour, which create vibrant, jewel-like colors and intricate patterns evoking Renaissance enamels. Agate adds a tactile, gemstone elegance, enhancing its portability as both jewelry and functional vanity item. These scent bottles were status symbols among Europe's elite, bridging utility and artistry in the burgeoning Aesthetic Movement. Acquired for the Lehman Collection in 1975, it highlights the era's fascination with historicism, inviting us to appreciate how Vasters revived ancient craftsmanship for modern luxury.