The Story of the Golden Egg

	Egg-Form Perfume Container; India; Late 19th/Early 20th C.; Silver and Gold; 3 Diameter x 6.25 High inches; Primitive I.D. A0707-442; $4,950

It’s the perfect time of year to contemplate the egg! Beyond being a reproductive body and a culinary staple, the egg is an enormously diverse symbol with all sorts of meanings, some general and others specific. It represents life, birth, renewal, fertility, and the mystery of creation; but it also represents the birth of “light” to Australian Aborigines; the resurrection of Christ to Christians; the exodus from Egypt and the cycle of life to Jewish people; and the beginning of the universe in ancient stories from India, Egypt and Greece. Since antiquity eggs have been an ingredient in paint; used as talismans, charms, containers, divination tools, medicine, and the inspiration for an endless array of art including revealing pieces like this week’s New Arrival.

Egg-Form Perfume Container; India; Late 19th/Early 20th C.; Silver and Gold; 3 Diameter x 6.25 High inches; Primitive I.D. A0707-442; the shell pops open to reveal four caddies meant to hold perfume or essential oils; $4,950

This week’s New Arrival features an antique silver and gold perfume caddy from India. Push down on the top knob and the egg form pops open to reveal four cradled perfume containers and a shiny golden interior. Although the maker of this piece is unknown, it is certain they were influenced by ancient stories of the earth’s creation. In one account, the universe dissolved into nothingness until it re-formed as primordial waters, which gave birth to the cosmic egg – silver on the outside and gold on the inside. When the egg finally broke open, the silver formed the earth and the gold the atmosphere and sun – all combined, the progenitors of life and consciousness. This story is a myth makers dream - and as told by this piece - guaranteed to smell good in the end!