Antique Table Vinaigrette Sterling Silver Hardstone Enamel

This is a highly unusual Continental, probably Austrian, pomander or vinaigrette, antique, early 20th century, sterling silver, cream hardstone, and enamel. The lid has a central lozenge cartouche in the art nouveau style with a half-length enamel portrait of a lady, her head surrounded by branches, leaves, and flowers in silver filigree, which covers the piercings in the lid. The central lozenge is set in a cream hardstone (alabaster?) panel, edged in silver, which is, in turn, framed by matching cream enamel. The sides and base are also set with cream hardstone panels. The stone is lightly textured, giving it a “silky” feel. The interior is gilt and has a deep recess in the interior, presumably to take a sponge, or other material to retain the scent or perfume. The hardstone panels would keep the contents cool, preventing too rapid evaporation.