Quimper fajence scent bottle with ‘Mascotte’

Round, flat scent bottle in Quimper fajence. It shows on one side a woman holding a basket and the word “Mascotte”; on the other one a pansy. Vermail mount with little marks and hinged gilt matching cap. Inner glass stopper. Mascotte under the lady figure refers to a very successful 1880 operetta “La Mascotte” by Edmund Audran (1842-1901). In short, the tale is about a peasant girl, Bettina who has an unusual gift. She brings happiness and good fortune to the person who “owns” her, as long as she remains “pure” ( a virgin if you will). A Prince, Laurent XVII, learns of this gift and takes Bettina to live at the Palace where she brings him good luck. He wants to ensure that she remains with him so he decides to marry her in an unconsummated union. The story goes on about a young man, a former suitor of the girl, who tries to rescue her. Other complications ensue but he is finally successful and they married and lived happily ever after. Oh yes, the gift as it turned out was hereditary! The operetta was very popular from 1880-1882 and ran for 1000 performances. It also was produced in England and America during that period. Possibly the bottles were a special commission because the depose mark means the design was patented. More than likely commissioned by the person who created the operetta “La Mascotte”.