Fans are Oriental in origin and have been known for over 3000 years. Few art forms combine functional, ceremonial and decorative uses as elegantly as the fan. Fewer still can match such diversity with a history stretching back over many thousands of years.
A buttonhook is a tool used to facilitate the closing of buttoned shoes, gloves or other clothing. It consists of a hook fixed to a handle which may be simple or decorative as part of a dresser set or chatelaine. Sometimes they were given away as promotions with product advertising on the handle. To use, the hook end is inserted through the buttonhole to capture the button by the shank and draw it through the opening.
There a re few art forms that combine functional, ceremonial and decorative uses as elegantly as the fan. Fewer still can match such diversity with a history stretching back at least 3,000 years.
The popularity of loose powder compacts increased from the 1920's, when it became acceptable to apply make-up in public. The many beautiful and diverse compacts produced throughout the first half of the 1900's are sought after by collectors and fans of vintage fashion today.
If there is one piece of grooming equipment that has been neglected by collectors over the past 50 years it has to be the humble shaving brush. Besides being fun to collect, shaving brushes are critical for achieving an outstanding shave.
The removal of unwanted body hair has happened since the dawn of time. Over the years the practice of removing body hair has changed from simple human hygiene to fashion, social or religious status. As shaving has evolved over time so too have the tools of the trade.
Originally, shoehorns were made from animal horns, hooves and even glass. Luxury shoehorns were made of ivory, shell or silver. Today however, although shoehorns made of bulls’ hooves are still available, metal, plastic and wood are more commonly used.