Description
An Oriental Toothpaste pot, Staffordshire, England, circa 1880.
Transfer printed in black on a creamy white earthenware, the base and the sides of the lid are printed in a pattern often called, “Cracked Ice.”
Before toothpaste was packaged in tubes, English chemists mixed and sold dental compounds in these fabulous ceramic advertising pots. A growing range of tooth powders and toothpastes began to be commercially available in the mid 1800s.
A scarce piece that looks great on the bathroom or vanity countertop for holding rings, pins or other small items.
These advertising pots were printed to market the toothpaste, and are now hard to come by with both the lid and the base.
The lid reads: Oriental Toothpaste for Cleansing, Beautifying, and Preserving the Teeth & Gums. Prepared by Jewsbury & Brown Chemists. 113 Market Street, Manchester.
Great graphic! Showing an English Coat of arms, and three different type faces.
Provenance: The collection of Ben Z. Swanson Jr. – from the 1990 sale, Harmer Rooke Galleries, NYC
Measuring: 2.75 inches in diameter x 1.75 inches high.
Incredible antique condition with the expected light wear.