Five Centuries of Scent and Elegant Flacons

A cultural history of aromatic natural substances - from unguents for anointment in ancient religious cults to modern aromatherapy - which have been used since the Middle Ages for medical treatment, cosmetics and personal hygiene. Since these substances and pharmaceutical products are, without exception, costly spices, salts, resins, balsalms and oils, the tiny receptacles which held them were beautifully worked. Mini-medicine chests, they were essential possessions of the upper-classes, and, as status sybols, were in demand as fashion acessories and elegant presents. The book surveys nearly 300 of these beautifully worked pieces. Previously unpublished, they are from private collections. All the enchantment of fragrance and the beauty of elegant perfume recptacles which have always been a luxury, yet serve to enhance pysical and mental well-being, delight the reader.