Casting Bottle
900-1000 (made), 1540-1550 (mounted)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Casting bottles were used in courtly and noble circles to sprinkle flower essences, such as rosewater, onto the body. They enjoyed great popularity throughout Europe between the 15th century and the mid-17th century. Few casting bottles survive today. They were made redundant by the development of musk- and resin-based perfumes, which required larger bottles.
Social Class
These bottles were frequently given as gifts, notably in the New Year exchanges at the Tudor and Stuart courts. In 1513, Henry VIII gave five away, but by 1524 he had acquired another five. They are among the most luxurious items of Tudor and Stuart metalworking, usually made of precious materials and richly decorated. Rock crystal is a colourless quartz that was valued for its transparency and beauty. It was highly prized and used for high-status gifts.
Design & Designing
Casting bottles were the accessories of the wealthiest and most fashionable members of society. As such, they often follow European fashions more closely than other items. The shape of the bottle was usually that of a flagon, in which wine was served at table.
Casting bottles were used in courtly and noble circles to sprinkle flower essences, such as rosewater, onto the body. They enjoyed great popularity throughout Europe between the 15th century and the mid-17th century. Few casting bottles survive today. They were made redundant by the development of musk- and resin-based perfumes, which required larger bottles.
Social Class
These bottles were frequently given as gifts, notably in the New Year exchanges at the Tudor and Stuart courts. In 1513, Henry VIII gave five away, but by 1524 he had acquired another five. They are among the most luxurious items of Tudor and Stuart metalworking, usually made of precious materials and richly decorated. Rock crystal is a colourless quartz that was valued for its transparency and beauty. It was highly prized and used for high-status gifts.
Design & Designing
Casting bottles were the accessories of the wealthiest and most fashionable members of society. As such, they often follow European fashions more closely than other items. The shape of the bottle was usually that of a flagon, in which wine was served at table.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Carved rock crystal, with silver-gilt cap, body mounts, chain and foot |
| Brief description | Crystal casting bottle |
| Physical description | Casting bottle for pepper or spice, of rock crystal mounted in silver gilt, chased and repoussé. The crystal bottle is circular and has a curved base; its body is carved with four concavities terminating in scrolls; the neck is slightly spreading and is encircled with mouldings at the shoulder. The mounting consists of a circular foot with a border of acanthus leaves and a base-mount into which the bottle is set. From this two scroll-shaped straps rise to a collar encircling the shoulder of the bottle, with rings to which a chain is attached, with a hook for suspension. The mouth has a mount decorated with acanthus leaves, with a screw stopper pierced for sprinkling. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | Re-use |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Casting bottles (perfume bottles) contained flower essences (usually rose-water). They were used by upper-class women and many are recorded as New Year's gifts at Henry VIII's court. The rock crystal may have contained a holy relic and come to England after the Crusades. It was later mounted in silver and given its new use when religious relics were prohibited after the Reformation.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Rock crystal from Egypt, mounted in England Purchased from Mr J. Hughes, 181 New King's Road, SW, on 10th March 1910. Saladin Exhibition RF.2005/17 |
| Summary | Object Type Casting bottles were used in courtly and noble circles to sprinkle flower essences, such as rosewater, onto the body. They enjoyed great popularity throughout Europe between the 15th century and the mid-17th century. Few casting bottles survive today. They were made redundant by the development of musk- and resin-based perfumes, which required larger bottles. Social Class These bottles were frequently given as gifts, notably in the New Year exchanges at the Tudor and Stuart courts. In 1513, Henry VIII gave five away, but by 1524 he had acquired another five. They are among the most luxurious items of Tudor and Stuart metalworking, usually made of precious materials and richly decorated. Rock crystal is a colourless quartz that was valued for its transparency and beauty. It was highly prized and used for high-status gifts. Design & Designing Casting bottles were the accessories of the wealthiest and most fashionable members of society. As such, they often follow European fashions more closely than other items. The shape of the bottle was usually that of a flagon, in which wine was served at table. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.78:1, 2-1910 |
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| Record created | May 6, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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