A vinaigrette is a miniature container with a pierced interior grid that's designed to hold a bit of sponge soaked in perfume or scented oils diluted in vinegar (thus the name "vinaigrette"). Held to the nose, they help disguise unpleasant odors. They were especially popular during the late 18th century into the mid-1800's, when personal hygiene was poor and the streets were filled with mud, manure and garbage, especially in cities. Today, this vinaigrette could be used in any room in the same manner--to freshen the air--or simply decorate a space with its beauty.

This Limoges vinaigrette has a round, domed pure white porcelain lid. It's hand painted with colorful papillons (butterflies) and other winged creatures embellished with gilt leaves. The lid rests on a grooved brass gallery with three equally spaced Louis XVI-style feet. Hand lettered in black script on the interior of the lid is as follows:
Peint Main (French for hand-painted)
Limoges
France
The initials of the decorator are to the left and appear to be JP.

The hinge works perfectly by lifting up the rose ornament at the front, revealing an ornately pierced brass grid composed of alternating open squares and relief rosettes. We have not polished the brass, preferring to leave it as found with a slightly darkened patina.

Please take note of these measurements, as this is diminutive like many Limoges boxes:
1 3/4 inches wide, 1 1/2 inches high and the weigh is just over 1 ounce. It's in superb condition, with no damage and wear that we could find. This is a rare and desirable Limoges porcelain objet d'art.

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PYH 5823