Description: Waiting for your purchase is this rare, vintage 3-handled toothpick holder made by NIPPON. Nippon is simply the name Japan, but this name was used during the early 1900's as a fine porcelain mark. Toothpick holders, or simply "toothpicks" as collectors call them, first appeared in the 1880's and their use lasted only as long as it was polite to pick one's teeth in public. Different manners caused a decline in use, but they are always popular with collectors. This small holder is made of fine porcelain, so light and thin that you can see light shine through it if held to lamp. Its design is elegant, with a bulbous base and 3 very delicate handles. No one seems to know why these had 3 handles, but Asian cultures use uneven numbers more often than even ones. Perhaps they have a good luck significance. The toothpick holder is white.....a cool, slightly grayish white, and it is decorated around the rim and along the handles with gold. Some of the early NIppon holders were delicately painted with flowers or scenes, but this one has been left plain. Its clean lines emphasize its beauty of design and allow it to fit into any decor. The full Nippon mark is on the bottom of the piece. I am going to guestimate this piece dates to c. 1915-20, perhaps slightly earlier. This is a wonderful item for the toothpick collector.

Maker: NIPPON China Co.

Year Made: c. 1915-20

Measurement: 2 1/4 inches tall, 1 1/2 inches across the top opening area, just over 2 inches wide

Condition: Wonderful vintage condition, no chips, some wear to gold decoration, has a thin line across one handle (may be a small crack), but is not broken and does not appear to have been repaired, has tiny black spot on one side (see photo).........this is a speck in the porcelain itself and happened at the factory when it was made

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---FIRST CLASS Mail (3-5 days delivery) $8.00

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