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Offered here is an exceptionally ornate vintage sterling-silver perfume or scent funnel, probably made in Italy for the export market during the mid-20th century, approximately circa 1940s–1960s.
Although measuring only about 1 11/16 inches tall, nearly its entire exterior is covered with an elaborate continuous grape-harvest scene. Nude putti or youthful classical figures appear among grapevines, garden walls, tall Italian cypress-like trees, distant hills, and a radiant rising or setting sun.
One figure carries a basket overflowing with harvested grapes, while others appear to gather fruit or tend the vines. The extraordinary amount of detail compressed onto such a tiny object makes this much more than an ordinary vanity accessory—it is essentially a miniature silver panorama.
The Classical Grape-Harvest Scene
The imagery recalls the world of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, fertility, abundance, and celebration. Grape harvests and Bacchanalian subjects became enduring themes in Italian art, appearing in ancient Roman decoration, Renaissance paintings, architectural ornament, sculpture, and later decorative silverwork.
The youthful figures, lush vines, distant hills, and slender cypress-like trees give the scene an unmistakably Italian character. As the funnel is turned, the landscape seems to unfold continuously around its surface.
Exceptional Miniature Silverwork
The exterior combines raised repoussé-style decoration, chasing, engraving, and hand-finished details. The figures are modeled in surprisingly high relief, while the deeply worked trees, vines, gates, buildings, and distant landscape create remarkable visual depth.
Natural darkening remains within the recessed areas, dramatically emphasizing the elaborate design. Even the smallest elements—faces, clothing, baskets, foliage, stonework, and rays surrounding the sun—remain clearly visible.
Original Purpose
These tiny funnels were designed for transferring perfume, cologne, or other precious scented liquids into narrow-necked bottles without spilling them.
The slender 3.25 mm spout could fit inside the opening of a small perfume bottle, while the loop handle made the funnel easier to hold and control. The loop also allowed it to be hung conveniently beside a dressing table or vanity when not in use.
At a time when attractive perfume bottles were routinely refilled rather than discarded, a miniature sterling-silver funnel was both a useful tool and an elegant personal luxury.
Mark and Dating
The upper exterior is clearly stamped:
STERLING
The mark is positioned immediately beneath the rim.
The Italianate grape-harvest subject and style of workmanship suggest probable Italian manufacture for the export market, likely dating approximately circa 1940s–1960s. Because no additional Italian assay or maker’s mark is visible, the precise maker and country of origin cannot be stated with absolute certainty.
Measurements
Approximately 42.39 mm tall overall, or about 1 11/16 inches.
Approximately 1 3/8 inches wide.
Spout measures approximately 3.25 mm in diameter.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with no damage noted.
The upper rim, extremely narrow spout, loop handle, raised figures, and delicate scenic details are all intact. The decoration remains remarkably crisp and well defined.
Attractive natural toning within the recesses beautifully highlights the elaborate grape-harvest scene. Please examine all photographs closely, as they best convey the extraordinary craftsmanship and amount of detail present on this diminutive object.
A wonderfully unusual piece for a collection of vintage perfume accessories, Italian silver, miniature sterling, vanity objects, Renaissance Revival décor, Bacchanalian art, grape and wine collectibles, or finely worked silver curiosities.
