Now you know where each morning I pop an effervescent denture tablet and clean my retainers.
And where I hide my floss. 🥸
// The Lowdown on Vintage Shaving Mugs //
Shaving mugs have been around for centuries, dating back to the days of Ancient Rome, when men used them to mix and apply their own shaving creams. In the 19th century, the industrial revolution saw the growth in popularity of shaving mugs, which were made of porcelain, chrome, silver and even wood. These mugs were used to mix shaving soap and hot water, which allowed men to create their own shaving creams.
Shaving mugs were incredibly popular during the Victorian era, when men were expected to have a well-groomed appearance. During this time, the mugs were often elaborately decorated and were a sign of a man’s wealth and social status. Vintage porcelain shaving mugs from France usually feature intricate artwork and sometimes 24-karat gold accents made by famous artists such as Limoges and Sevres. Many have a handle and sometimes a lid which can be made from pewter, silver or even gold.
During the early 20th century, shaving mugs began to decline in popularity, as the use of disposable razors and canned shaving creams became more common. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the use of shaving mugs as men look for more traditional methods of grooming.
So, here we are in 2023, some of us using shaving mugs to create lathers for shaving, some to store shaving brushes and razors, and others (me) to clean my permanent retainers with denture tablets. Oh, and some people simply use vintage shaving mugs as bathroom decor, because they add a little hint of the old world, adding layer and dimension to every style of interiors.