Saturday, August 7, 2010

Object of the Day: Victorian Manicure Set

At first glance, this elegantly shaped chartreuse mohair case appears to hold something very precious—some jewel or an object of great importance. Upon opening it, however, one’s quite surprised to see that it holds a rather vicious-looking manicure set.


As I’ve pointed out, the prevalent mentality of the craftsman during Queen Victoria’s reign was to give as much importance and beauty to everything. Things like vanity items were no exception. Nestled in sprig green silk, silver implements with mother-of-pearl handles flank a pair of dangerously blunt scissors. To be frank, I have no idea how most of these tools would be used. However, after some research, they do appear to be intended to be employed in the upkeep of one’s fingernails. I’ll pass on that.

However, what this attractive set lacks in comfort, it more than makes up for in visual appeal. It certainly beats those stainless steel clippers you can buy at the drugstore—which, if you think about it, appear rather vicious themselves.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow. Can't imagine what to do with the two lower hooked tools. Button hooks are usually bigger. Very pretty though.

Joseph Crisalli said...

I couldn't quite figure that our myself. Any idea I have makes me cringe, so I choose not to think about it. It could be a button hook for buttoning gloves. Those are a tad bit shorter.

Anonymous said...

I just looked at one of these sets with my aunt. The hook tool was used to lace boots.

Joseph Crisalli said...

Well, there's one mystery solved. Thank you! I was hoping it wasn't for something involving cuticles.