{HISTORY}

Made between 1902 and the late 1910s, this antique Homer Laughlin shaving mug was once part of a grooming set that would have also included a cold water pitcher, a washstand basin bowl, a chamber pot, a soap dish, a hot water pitcher and a combinet jar all styled in the same matching pink rose pattern with lacy embossed designs. 

Known as Homer Laughlin's Bridal shape, the fluted rim, round belly and stylized handle of this shaving mug might have seemed like an elegant, feminine arrangement for men  of the era, but men weren't the only ones who were using shaving jars in the early 1900s.

A beauty practice that was just starting to emerge in the early 1900s, having smooth, soft skin on women's legs and underarms wouldn't become a full-blown, commonplace trend until about the 1920s when it was dictated by fashion, but hygienics were always on the mind of the Victorian and Edwardian woman earlier in the century.  Excess hair, in the minds of these early 20th century women, was a breeding ground for bacteria on the health front and a completely masculine trait on the aesthetic front. Neither were deemed desirable situations for feminine appearances back then. 

Whether this shaving mug was in service specifically to a man or a woman or possibly both, we'll never know, but it does provide an interesting glimpse into the grooming habits of early 20th-century households. Especially given the shape name - Bridal, which must have appealed to young newlyweds setting up home together for the first time. 

Nowadays, shaving mugs offer a wealth of useful decorating possibilities, beyond their original use too. Especially in the kitchen. About the size of a modern-day coffee mug, they act as wonderful vases for small garden bouquets, holders for artists' brushes, pens and pencils, flatware or kitchen utensils, as well as a functional vessel for special cleaning solutions when it comes to linen spot removal, polishing agents and other kitchen cleaning tasks. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Hard to find pattern
• Bridal shape
• Colors include raspberry, pale pink, spring green, sage, celadon and bright white

{CONDITION}

In beautiful antique condition, this mug contains no chips, cracks, spots or stains. Beautiful light crazing in some areas offers a delicately aged aesthetic. The floral transferware is crisp and bright.

{SIZE}

Measures 4.25" inches (height) x 3.75" inches (diameter) and weighs 11 oz.