When we think of perfume bottles, we usually think of luxurious, beautiful-shaped bottles. However, as perfumes have evolved over time, perfume bottles have evolved, too.

The history of perfume bottles begins in Egypt. The bottles were made by dipping clay and animal dung into a small pot of molten glass, allowing the glass to fully encase the core. This process was extremely time-consuming, allowing only the wealthiest citizens to buy perfumes.

The Greeks and Romans used pottery, glass, metal, and stone. Although Pliny and Theophrastos recommended stone or metal, pottery bottles were the most common. Precious metals were used for the bottles of expensive perfumes.

When the Middle Ages came, the use of perfumes declined. At the moment, Europe wasn’t in an excellent economic condition, so the decline in the use of extravagant perfume wasn’t a surprise. However, perfumes were recreated differently. Pomanders, small balls or boxes of precious metal, were filled with species and other substances. They were created to fight against evil spirits, diseases, and infections.

During the Renaissance, perfume use increased. Bottles were made from glass, porcelain, and enamel with fancy designs and embellishments. A key figure in advanced bottle designs in this era: Venetian glassmakers. They created cristallo, a colorless glass, to create simple but elegant vessels.

The Rococo Period saw bottles become more ornate, reflecting the artistic style at the time. Glass, porcelain, and precious metals were used to make the bottles fancier. Additionally, floral and figuration designs were embellished on the bottles.

The Industrial Revolution created the mass production system we have today. Most bottles were made with glass with a more uniform shape and style. At the time, cut glass and crystal became popular with complex designs. Art Nouveau, which appeared during the late 1800s, influenced the bottle designs to include natural shapes and motifs.

There were two distinct styles during the 20th century. The Art Deco era was when geometric shapes became popular. Lalique and Baccarat were great at creating luxurious designs. Then, towards the mid-20th century, bottles became simpler. Plastic, along with glass, became one of the most used materials. Today, perfume bottles are a mixture of artistry and marketing. The focus is on the fragrance and visual appeal.

Overall, perfume bottles have become simpler over time, resulting in the form we know today.

Sources:

Bottle History

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Opium by Yves Saint Laurent