"Maid in the Moon" glass tray

One of the great advertisers of the late 19th century, James Pyle and his "Pearline Washing Compound" created scores of chromolitho print ads, bills, and trade cards hawking the miracle soap. Pyle even went so far as to label competitor's products as "imitations" and "dangerous." This particular 1896 incentive, included in the packaging, presented twin moons surrounded by stars, teased with, 'directions on back... to find the Maid in the Moon." Note how the stars cryptically spell out "PEARLINE." Early subliminal advertising!

In the potichomania process, the glass acts as both a foundation and protective finish, saving the step of varnishing. The original intent was to recreate Greek and Etruscan vases by simulating rare and expensive Sevrés porcelain.

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