Anisha Riggs
The ball attached to perfume bottles is known as a stopper or a cap. Its primary function is to seal the bottle tightly, preventing the perfume from evaporating too quickly. Historically, the word pomander was used to describe a ball made for perfumes, usually worn or carried in a case to prevent infections or mask bad smells. These pomanders were often made of gold or silver and hung from a neck chain or belt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Pomander, pouncet box, or stopper/cap |
| Description | A ball made for perfumes, worn or carried in a case |
| Purpose | To protect against infection, modify bad smells, and preserve fragrances |
| Scents | Ambergris, musk, civet |
| Materials | Gold, silver, or other metals; perforated with openwork techniques |
| Variations | Nut, skull, heart, book, ship, or finger ring shapes |
| Related Items | Perfume atomizers, squeeze bulb, pump spray, travel atomizer |
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What You'll Learn
The ball is called a 'pomander'
The ball attached to perfume bottles is called a pomander. A pomander is a ball made for perfumes and was worn or carried in a case for protection against infection or to modify bad smells. The name "pomander" comes from the French "pomme d'ambre", meaning "apple of amber". The pomander itself could contain perfumes such as ambergris, musk, or civet. The cases that contained the pomanders were often hung from a neck chain or belt and were perforated to release the scent. These cases were usually made of gold or silver and could be shaped like nuts, skulls, hearts, books, or ships.
The term "pomander" can refer to both the scented material and the container that holds it. The container could be made of various materials and often featured intricate patterns, engravings, or embellishments. In the late 16th century, the pouncet box was introduced, which retained the traditional features of the pomander but was designed to hold liquid perfumes. It was favoured by the upper classes and its name came from the fact that the box was "pounced" or pierced to release the scent.
Pomanders were used by royalty and aristocrats, with records showing that Mary I of England wore a girdle with a pomander, and Elizabeth I wore pairs of pomander buttons. In 1576, a London goldsmith, John Mabbe, had 224 "pomanders of gold filled with pomander". Mary, Queen of Scots, also had two complete suites of head-dresses, necklaces, and belts comprising openwork or filigree gold perfumed pomander beads to hold scented musk.
Today, a modern pomander can be made by studding an orange or other fruit with whole dried cloves and letting it cure dry. This method of creating a pomander serves to perfume and freshen the air, as well as keep clothing and linens smelling pleasant.
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Pomanders were worn to prevent infection
A pomander is a ball made for perfumes, such as ambergris, musk, or civet. The term "pomander" is derived from the French "pomme d'ambre", which means "apple of amber". The pomander was worn or carried in a case as a protection against infection during times of pestilence or to mask bad odours. The globular cases that contained the pomanders were hung from a neck chain or belt or attached to the girdle. They were usually perforated and made of gold or silver.
The pomander was a popular accessory in the sixteenth century, a time when people believed that bathing could lead to contracting diseases. The pomander was seen as an attractive alternative to water-based hygiene. Its use as a protective measure against infection is reflected in its inclusion in John Partridge's "The Treasury of Commodious Conceits, and Hidden Secrets" (London, 1586). The book features a recipe for a pomander that includes benzoin resin, calamite, labdanum, storax balsam, rose water, cinnamon, sweet sanders, cloves, ambergris, deer musk, and civet musk.
The scented pomanders were popular among royal and aristocratic women, who wore them suspended on a chain from a girdle. They were also made into jewellery, including tablets, lockets, pendants, bracelets, buttons, and chains with filigree beads. Mary I of England and Elizabeth I were known to wear pomanders, and Mary, Queen of Scots, possessed two complete suites of head-dresses, necklaces, and belts with perfumed pomander beads.
The late 16th century saw the emergence of the pouncet box, which retained the traditional features of the pomander while being designed to hold liquid perfumes. It was favoured by the upper classes for its delicate fragrances. The name "pouncet" stems from the practice of piercing the box to release the scent. Today, pomanders are often made by studding oranges or other fruits with whole dried cloves, creating a long-lasting air freshener for clothing and linens.
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They were made of gold or silver
The ball attached to perfume is called a pomander, derived from the French pomme d'ambre, or "apple of amber". Pomanders are globular cases that contain scented material, usually perfumes such as ambergris, musk, or civet. They were worn or carried, often by royalty and aristocrats, as protection against infection during times of pestilence or to mask bad odours.
The cases were often made of gold or silver and hung from a neck chain, belt, or girdle. They were perforated using a variety of openwork techniques, allowing the scent to permeate through. Sometimes, they contained multiple partitions, each holding a different perfume. The pomander's design could be intricate, evolving into shapes such as nuts, skulls, hearts, books, and ships. Smaller pomanders were attached to finger rings, while larger ones were crafted into jewellery, including tablets, lockets, pendants, bracelets, and buttons.
The use of gold and silver in pomanders was not just for aesthetic appeal but also for functionality. These precious metals provided a level of protection for the scented material inside. Gold and silver were also seen as symbols of wealth and status, making them popular choices for royalty and aristocrats.
In the late 16th century, the pouncet box emerged as a variation of the pomander, designed to hold liquid perfumes. Like the pomander, the pouncet box was often made of gold or silver, pierced with small holes to release the scent. This delicate feature required the craftsmanship of skilled goldsmiths, further enhancing the prestige associated with these scented accessories.
The evolution of perfume containers continued, with modern variations focusing on both functionality and elegance. Today, perfume bottles come in a variety of designs, from sleek minimalism to intricate artistry, with the ball-shaped cap or stopper remaining a popular choice, providing a seamless and cohesive look to the overall aesthetic of the perfume bottle.
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They were filled with musk or ambergris
A ball attached to perfume is called a pomander, derived from the French "pomme d'ambre", which means \"apple of amber". Pomanders are typically made of gold or silver and filled with musk or ambergris to be worn or carried as protection against infection or bad smells.
Musk and ambergris have been highly valued for their distinct scents and ability to act as fixatives, prolonging the longevity of perfumes. Musk, derived from the glands of certain animals, has a strong, musky aroma. Ambergris, on the other hand, is a rare substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It has a unique chemical composition, including a compound called ambrein, which prolongs the scent of perfumes.
The process of creating a pomander involves dissolving ambergris and mixing in deer and civet musk. The \"apple\" ball is then rolled through the musk mixture and kneaded before being moulded back into its original shape. This scented product was often worn by royalty and aristocrats, suspended on a chain or attached to a girdle.
The use of musk and ambergris in pomanders dates back centuries, with historical records mentioning their usage. For instance, Mary, Queen of Scots, possessed jewellery made of filigree gold perfumed pomander beads to hold scented musk. In 1520, the Duke of Buckingham commissioned a gold pomander for Catherine of Aragon as a New Year's Day gift.
Today, ambergris is less commonly used in perfumery due to its rarity and the availability of synthetic alternatives like ambroxide. However, it remains a coveted ingredient in creating unique and expensive fragrances.
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Modern perfume bottles have a ball-shaped 'stopper'
Modern perfume bottles are designed with elegance and sophistication in mind, ranging from sleek minimalism to intricate artistry. One distinctive feature that often stands out is the small spherical object perched atop the bottle's neck. This ball-shaped object is known as a stopper or a cap, and it serves a crucial function in preserving the fragrance within the bottle. Its primary role is to seal the bottle tightly, preventing the perfume from evaporating too rapidly.
The stopper is an essential component of the perfume bottle, working in tandem with other parts like the collar, shoulder, and atomizer. The collar, often made of durable and stylish materials like stainless steel or surlyn, ensures that the atomizer is securely attached, preventing any leaks. The shoulder, located just below the neck, guides the fragrance towards the atomizer, facilitating a smooth and efficient dispensing of the perfume without spills or wastage.
The design of the stopper itself can vary significantly. Some stoppers are designed with simplicity and utility in mind, while others are ornate and decorative. In certain instances, the stopper may be crafted from the same material as the bottle, creating a seamless and cohesive aesthetic. Alternatively, it may showcase intricate patterns, engravings, or embellishments that enhance the overall visual appeal of the bottle.
The ball-shaped stopper also has historical roots in the form of pomanders, which were used in the past to carry scented materials. Pomanders, derived from the French "pomme d'ambre" or "apple of amber," were balls made of precious metals like gold or silver, and they contained perfumes such as ambergris, musk, or civet. They were worn or carried, often suspended on chains, as a protection against infections or to mask unpleasant odours. Over time, the design of these containers evolved, taking on various shapes and sizes, including nuts, skulls, hearts, books, and ships.
Today, the ball-shaped stopper continues to play a functional and aesthetic role in modern perfume bottles. Its presence not only seals and preserves the fragrance but also contributes to the overall elegance and artistry of the bottle's design, making it an essential element in the world of perfumery.
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Frequently asked questions
The ball attached to perfume is called a pomander, derived from the French 'pomme d'ambre', meaning apple of amber.
Pomanders are typically made of gold or silver and hung from a neck chain, girdle, or belt.
Pomanders are used to hold perfumes, such as ambergris, musk, or civet. They were worn to prevent infection during times of pestilence or to mask unpleasant odours.
Pomanders were commonly used by royalty and aristocrats, with historical figures such as Mary I of England, Elizabeth I, and Mary, Queen of Scots, wearing them.
While traditional pomanders are less common today, modern variations exist. For example, perfume bottles often feature a small spherical object called a stopper or cap, which helps preserve the fragrance by sealing the bottle and preventing evaporation.
