Description:
Antique Viennese enamel novelty table vinaigrette in the form of a closed sedan chair, with an extending pencil. Made in Austria, late 19th - early 20th century. Approx 2 7/8 inches tall.
Stands on 4 fat paw feet. THe bottom is enclosed in a gilt metal mount with openwork and raised swags. Curved shape of a Venetian sedan, on either side of which are gilt metal loops holding a pair of poles for slaves/servants to carry. The top has a metal mount echoing that of the bottom and engraved, slightly domed gilt metal roof. The knopf of the roof can be removed, and is in fact the end of a retractable/extending pencil.
The front of the vinaigrette has a hinged door, with a gilt metal handle. It opens to a hollow space which would contain the smelling salts or cotton dipped in smellies. A vent is on the side to allow the odor to escape.
All surfaces are richly enamelled with romantic, buccolic scenes, typical of Viennese enamel of this period.
Minor imperfections, not visible to the naked eye are mentioned only for the sake of total accuracy. The piece is in good condition.
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