Toothbrush Case from Traveling Dressing Case
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Danny J. H. Kauffman
Accession Number
1984-133-2-a,b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of Victorian travel with the *Toothbrush Case from Dressing Case*, crafted in 1875 by British Thomas Whitehouse, active 1848 to 1898. This compact container, part of a larger dressing case ensemble, reflects the era's emphasis on portable luxury for the upper classes. During the mid-19th century, as steamships and railways expanded global exploration, affluent travelers relied on such cases to maintain impeccable grooming amid journeys. Whitehouse's work embodies the meticulous craftsmanship of Victorian decorative arts, where everyday items like toothbrush holders...