During the Victorian Age, there was an object dedicated to every possible use. This was especially true when it came to food service: celery vases, spoon warmers, berry bowls. But personal care and tidiness also enjoyed a wealth of strange and specific objets, like the French ceramic "comb dish" shown above. This ceramic covered bowl, decorated with a handsome Greek Key transfer print, would be stationed at a vanity table or upon a dressing table—providing a place to store one's comb between uses. It would contribute a measure of orderly process to one's morning ablutions. At a woman's grooming station, there also would be a "hair receiver," a small canister into which she could push the loose hair pulled from her comb or brush. This hair would be collected, saved and eventually sent-out to a hairdresser who would fashion it into pieces which could be added to the woman's hairstyle.
Few people these days insist on housing their combs between uses. But such a dish, slim and long, could be practical for a variety of uses. It's the perfect place to hide little treasures—to keep a small collection of jewelry or, perhaps, a watch. On the desk, it would be a tidy place to stash one's pens or clips. And it could even be used to serve small, elegant foods; imagine presenting a half dozen after-dinner chocolates or bonbons in an elegant covered bowl such as this. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248