French Match Strikes

Maison Chérie

Crafted from porcelain with handpainted lines and accents, these unique reproduction French match strikes are similar to antique originals found in French bistros during the 19th and early 20th century throughout France.
Back then, it was common to see a match strike sitting on a bistro or bar table for customers to use when preparing a drink such as absinthe during the Belle Époque.
The match strike had three objectives. First, the upper cylindrical container was used to hold the matches. Then the ridged surface on the side (or base) was used to strike and light the match. And finally, the play served as an advertising medium. Many distilleries used these match strikes to promote their liquor, and were usually provided to the bar for free.