Safety box

Safety box Safety box (for combs?) of crystal glass and silver, from the Museum collection, made by a Kraków gilder and bronzer, at the beginning of the 20th century (before 1920). The box is shaped as a prism of thick crystal glass, with a silver cover (gilded on the inside). The glass is fully covered with a cut floral and geometric ornament, resembling rococo and the regency pattern. The bottom has a polished pointed star. The cover is fully decorated, with a large rococo cartouche in the centre framed by rooster combs, volutes and acanthus against a finely beaded background. Gilder’s marks embossed on the cover. Such accessories, like powder containers, flasks for perfume and grooming waters, cream boxes, nail files, scissors, brushes, constituted the necessary equipment of the dressing table of the lady of the house. They were frequently made of crystal glass, silver and gilded silver, as well as richly decorated; they were frequently manufactured by famous gilders and appreciated artists. Possession of these indicated the status of the lady of the house.