The hair was recycled in a number of waysnotably for stuffing small bags, about (3-4) across, called ratts, used to bulk out women's hairstyles. The sweet powder box matches the hair receiver beautifully.
Lift the lids and keep your loose change, jewelry or secret stash inside. These lovely little boxes are a round shape and the lids are a nice concaved dome. Both the bases and lids are beautifully hand painted with pink roses and lush foliage against a white background shaded in pastel tones of yellow and blue. The edges are lavishly gilded for an elegant touch. Dating to the late 1890s victorian era to the early 1900s edwardian period, the set is in very good condition for something over 100 years old.
The hair receiver's lid does have a crack, but it seems tight. Elegantly displayed in my antique french vitrine cabinet, the set always managed to get compliments from anyone who peered through the wavy glass.I believe it is either from france or germany. The jars both have a 4" diameter and stand 3" tall.
I love hair receivers because they make great receptacles to hold antique swansdown powder puffs, especially those with tall, rigid celluloid, silver or bone handles. Unlike using a regular powder box to store a puff, whose lid could press down against the handle and ruin your puff, the powder puff's handle can go right through the hole in the lid of the hair receiver and not be damaged. Hair receivers also make great little stash boxes for your cotton balls, jewelry, cotton swabs, bobby pins, buttons and other small goodies. I even know of a friend who stores her packets of sugar substitutes in a hair receiver, i thought that was a neat idea.
Overall, a pretty antique porcelain trinket or vanity box for your dressing table. I have matching pieces available in separate listings. Let my past treasures be your new ones to cherish for years to come. This item is made of porcelain.