Era: Late 19th / Early 20th Century
Origin: France
Material: Glass, Paper,Cork
Dimensions: 10.75” H × 4” D at base
DESCRIPTION
There are certain pieces that make it difficult to understand how something once so utilitarian could become so beautiful with time.
This antique French apothecary bottle is one of them. Once used to hold borax, the clear glass vessel retains its beautifully timeworn paper label and original cork stopper. The warm ochre and black lettering, softened and faded with age, gives the bottle a presence that could never be recreated.
Perhaps most special is the reverse, where another aged paper label remains covered with handwritten measurements and notations — quiet traces of the person who once used it and the work it once performed.
It is these small remnants of an object’s former life that make old pieces so compelling. What was once an ordinary working bottle has survived as something entirely different: an object to keep, display, and appreciate for the history it carries.
Borax was historically found in pharmacies and apothecaries, where it was used in a variety of household and medicinal preparations — adding another layer to the story of this beautifully preserved working vessel.
THE DETAILS
+Origin: Late 19th / Early 20th Century
+Collection: Le Décor
+Material: Glass with original paper label and cork
+Dimensions: 10.75” H × 4” D at base
CONDITION
Beautiful antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. The glass shows age-related surface wear and imperfections.
The original front paper label remains remarkably present, with fading, discoloration, edge wear, staining, and areas of loss that have developed naturally over time. The reverse retains an additional heavily aged paper label with handwritten notations, showing significant discoloration, creasing, tears, lifting, and losses.
The original cork stopper remains intact and displays wonderful darkening, spotting, and patina from age.
These timeworn details are an integral part of the piece’s history and character. Please review all photographs closely, as they are considered part of the condition description.
Era: Late 19th / Early 20th Century
Origin: France
Material: Glass, Paper,Cork
Dimensions: 10.75” H × 4” D at base
DESCRIPTION
There are certain pieces that make it difficult to understand how something once so utilitarian could become so beautiful with time.
This antique French apothecary bottle is one of them. Once used to hold borax, the clear glass vessel retains its beautifully timeworn paper label and original cork stopper. The warm ochre and black lettering, softened and faded with age, gives the bottle a presence that could never be recreated.
Perhaps most special is the reverse, where another aged paper label remains covered with handwritten measurements and notations — quiet traces of the person who once used it and the work it once performed.
It is these small remnants of an object’s former life that make old pieces so compelling. What was once an ordinary working bottle has survived as something entirely different: an object to keep, display, and appreciate for the history it carries.
Borax was historically found in pharmacies and apothecaries, where it was used in a variety of household and medicinal preparations — adding another layer to the story of this beautifully preserved working vessel.
THE DETAILS
+Origin: Late 19th / Early 20th Century
+Collection: Le Décor
+Material: Glass with original paper label and cork
+Dimensions: 10.75” H × 4” D at base
CONDITION
Beautiful antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. The glass shows age-related surface wear and imperfections.
The original front paper label remains remarkably present, with fading, discoloration, edge wear, staining, and areas of loss that have developed naturally over time. The reverse retains an additional heavily aged paper label with handwritten notations, showing significant discoloration, creasing, tears, lifting, and losses.
The original cork stopper remains intact and displays wonderful darkening, spotting, and patina from age.
These timeworn details are an integral part of the piece’s history and character. Please review all photographs closely, as they are considered part of the condition description.
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