Root box

R.F.

1727–32 · Silver · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Such oblong boxes were often included in French silver toilet services to hold hand-made toothbrushes, which were formed from sections of fibrous or aromatic roots. The six-inch lengths of root were boiled, dried, and then sliced with a knife at the ends to make a brush. Household manuals describe the methods for preparing woody roots such as marshmallow, licorice, or lucerne to make the brushes, which were used with an abrasive powder to "prevent the accidents that arise from the collection of tartar or any other foulness about the [teeth]."

Artist

R.F.

Date

1727–32

Medium

Silver

Culture

French, Paris

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Catherine D. Wentworth, 1948