Metal Pomander

This small but potent pomander was produced in England. It is unmarked, but probably dates from 1580. It contained various aromatics popularly used to perfume individuals, items of clothing, or simply used to drive away nauseating odors. The customizability of these objects was determined by personal preference and availability of the products. Like most goods today, rarity drove desire. These substances were either imported from beyond national borders or only found locally during certain seasons. As a result, the pomander’s numerous compartments were rarely fully filled with their allocated contents. Despite its petite scale, this object’s round body folds out into eight compartments, containing rose, musk, ambergris, jasmine, cedar, violet, clove, and orange. You can almost smell the aroma through the screen.