A Chelsea gold-mounted scent bottle and stopper in the form of Harlequin, circa 1755

vibrantly painted harlequin modelled holding a slapstick in his left hand and a bunch of grapes above his head with his right, in front of a scroll-edged rockwork trunk forming the bottle, the chained-mounted stopper formed as a bunch of roses,

The Property of the Hon. Mrs. G. G. Marten, Sotheby's London, 13th February 1962, lot 145, acquired at the sale by the Antique Porcelain Company;
The Property of Stewart Granger, Esq., sold Christie's London, 20th May 1963, lot 98.

Related Literature
Kate Foster, Scent Bottles, London, 1966, p. 63, pl. 50;
Kate Foster, Chelsea Scent Bottles - 'Girl in a Swing' and Another Group, 1967, E.C.C Trans., Vol. 6, Pt. 3, p. 290, pl. 214c.

In generally good condition. There is a small glazed-over chip to the brim of his hat. Some scattered rubbing and flaking to enamels consistent with handling.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Although this rare model was known at the time of the 1962 sale the present example was catalogued as being unrecorded. Listed as 'Harlequin, hand at hat', Foster includes this model in the second category and illustrates an almost identical example from the Collection Parfumerie Houbigant, Paris, op. cit, 1966, p. 63, pl. 50; 1967, pl. 214c. Another was sold in these rooms, 11th April 1978, lot 304.