From the mid-1800s until the early 20th century, many products were sold by individual chemists, who
used their own packaging.
Toothpaste, shaving cream, bear's grease and cold-cream were sold in
ceramic pots with decorated lids, created by applying the glaze over a transfer print.
Meat paste and other products were also marketed this way.
Approximately 4000 designs are known to have survived in the UK,
with new examples still coming to light.