Toothpick Holder 1885 - 1888

The Richards and Hartley Flint Glass Company produced this toothpick holder sometime between 1867 and 1890. At this time, glass making in the US was becoming increasingly industrialised and focused on mass production. This seemingly simple object reflects the changing social landscape of post-Civil War America. Toothpicks, once a personal item, were becoming widely available and used in public settings like restaurants and hotels. This small glass holder, mass-produced in a factory, speaks to the growing culture of convenience and disposable goods. Its design, with its repeating pattern of raised circles, is both functional and decorative, reflecting the Victorian era's emphasis on ornamentation. Understanding this toothpick holder involves looking beyond its surface. By exploring historical archives, company records, and social histories of the period, we can gain insights into the cultural values and economic forces that shaped its creation and use. The meaning of even the most humble artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.