Utensils for eyes bathing and ears rinsing
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Rzemiosło artystyczne
Pierre Noël Blaquière
France, Paris
1809-1819
Hammered silver
Ø 2.8 x 3.5 cm
Mark of the goldsmith together with the initialns P.N.B.; mark of Paris for first assay articles for 1809-1819, guarantee mark of Paris for 1809-1819
Wil.235 (funnel), Wil.2429 (bowl)
In comparison with the eighteenth and even the nineteenth century, our contemporary awareness of the principles of hygiene has undergone a colossal change. Moderation as regards personal hygiene, rare baths and limited and, at times, local contact with water led to numerous infections. The treatment of ailments resorted to the application of assorted devices with strictly defined purposes.
An excellent example of the implements used at the time is the presented set containing a bowl for bathing eyes and a funnel for cleaning ears, whose functions were established thanks to recent consultations. The illustrated set for bathing eyes and rinsing ears with herbal infusions was applied daily by numerous ladies of the period. There were even special prescriptions for assorted infusions intended for certain occasions (for example, for soothing tired eyes after a ball). Both exhibits belong to a toiletry set containing today more than thirty components (a mirror, candlesticks, boxes, bottles, brushes and a case) commissioned by a family and decorated with the Korczak coat of arms.
Joanna Paprocka-Gajek
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