On View:
Sunday, February 8, 1981 to Sunday, April 26, 1981
The 500 matchsafes on view were selected from the Cooper-Hewitt Museum's collection of more than 4,000 matchsafes. Between the mid-19th century through the early 20th century, people carried matches in matchsafes to keep them dry and prevent accidental flames. Matchsafes were made from a wide range of materials, including all types of metals, ivory, wood, and even plastic. The designs that decorated them were even more varied, featuring cloisonné, basse-taille, ceramic figures, depictions of Victorian vices, photographs set in frames, and promotional advertisements.
