Historical information

Skincare cosmetics used for ageing skin have been a priority for over 3000 years, in ancient times masks were used to cleanse and maintain the moisture of the skin. The Egyptians used anti-wrinkle creams made with the essential oil of frankincense which claimed to possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Thick creams use on the face were created to preserve moisture on mature skin. And were formulated from resin, wax, oil, grass, and plant juice, In the 1700s, face toners and scented water were popular. Cold cream made with scented oils, spermaceti, and wax mixed with rose water and ambergris was a common toilette preparation. But it was the 20th century when face cosmetics entered their golden era and mass production made cosmetics available to women of all classes.

Significance

An item used to store face cream from the 1920s when face creams and other cosmetics started to become available to all classes of women and no longer were these types of preparations only available to women of financial means.

Physical description

Clear glass jar with "hobnail" pattern and brass lid used to hold face cream cosmetics.

Inscriptions & markings

Lid decorated with a relief design of 5 cherub heads and clouds