Bottle - Tin - Antique Book Bottle

Tin vessel with imitation book motif and Renaissance-style engravings.

Very unusual and striking bottle in book form, with "raised bands" on the "spine" and extensive ornamentation on both the front and back. Marked on the bottom. Exact dating unknown, but the bottle certainly dates from the 19th century, probably the mid-19th century, when Renaissance Revival became a popular and widespread style, particularly in the Germanic world.

Although we cannot determine the origin of the bottle with certainty, we strongly suspect that it originates from the German-speaking world, where Renaissance Revival was almost universally embraced as a national style in an area that yearned for historical roots for its nationalist ambitions. The heavy bottle – heavy both in appearance and weight, namely 1.2 kg – measures 20 by 14.5 cm and is about 5 cm thick. If one measures the height from the base to the top of the handle, the total height is 26.5 cm. This is not an everyday piece of tinwork.

The front decoration differs from the rear. The rear, for instance, is clearly more formal, with a shield, and a majestic lion beneath the coat of arms. The front still has a largely symmetrical design with floral motifs, but the shapes flow more freely, accentuated by the lightly inclined, somewhat shield-shaped center. Around the decorative panels, both on the front and back, there are raised bands with braided metalwork and repeating clover motifs.

Overall condition in very good condition. NB: because the bottle may contain lead, it is not recommended to use the bottle.

Will be sent by registered and insured mail.