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Object Timeline

1977

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2025

  • You found it!

Perfume Burner (Cassolette) Cassolette

This is a cassolette. It was manufactured by Mennecy Porcelain Manufactory. It is dated 1750–1765 and we acquired it in 1977. Its medium is soft paste porcelain. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.


Perfume burners were used to burn pastilles— blocks of charcoal dipped in fragrant oils. In the eighteenth century, they could be placed throughout the house into order to mask bodily odors, counter poor plumbing and sanitation, or clear the smell of food following a meal.

The unpainted surface of this perfume burner draws attention to the milky whiteness of the ceramic body. In the mid-eighteenth century, the right to use gold on ceramics was the exclusive privilege of the Vincennes manufactory, compelling Mennecy and other factories to focus on the sculptural aspect of their production. Unpainted white glazed porcelain became tremendously popular, and was referred to as “blanc de chine” after white wares imported from southeastern China. In the latter half of the century, there was a surge of interest in unglazed porcelain (“bisque”) objects made to resemble ancient sculpture being excavated in southern Italy.

This object was donated by Mrs. John Jay Ide. It is credited The John Jay Ide Collection.

It has the following markings

Underside: [1] "28", written on round red label [2] "P". written in red on round label [3] "JAS A. LEWIS / & Son, Inc. / 57th East 57th Street / NEW YORK / N.Y." surrounded by "GUARANTEE GENUINE", printed on round gold label

It is signed

Not signed

It is inscribed

None

Cite this object as

Perfume Burner (Cassolette) Cassolette; Manufactured by Mennecy Porcelain Manufactory (France); France; soft paste porcelain; The John Jay Ide Collection; 1977-52-30-a,b

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18492763/ |title=Perfume Burner (Cassolette) Cassolette |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>