Vinaigrette box

Vinaigrettes were in common use between 1700 and 1850. During this period, they served as a status symbol for women, who carried them in an inner pocket, a small bag, or suspended from a belt or chatelaine. While primarily associated with the Victorian era and the fashion for tightly laced corsets (which often caused fainting spells requiring restorative scents) their popularity extended back to the 18th century. The interior of silver vinaigrettes was frequently gilded (vermeil) to protect the metal from corrosion caused by the acidic nature of the aromatic liquids used. While vinegar (French: vinaigre) was a common base for these scents, giving the object its name, other aromatics such as rose water were also used to dab onto the face or inhale. == References ==