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fresnel lens

made by grinding grooves the surface of a piece of glass, a fresnel lens cuts down on material and aberrations typical in a convex lens. most commonly associated with their use in lighthouses, fresnel lenses are also found in cars lights, projectors, etc.

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satin toran

torans are entryway hangings, a Hindu tradition. constructed in various materials, from beads to bells to satin flowers (as seen above), mango leaves and marigolds are common decorative elements. 

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confessional prie dieu

the metal screens, perforated with a clover leaf pattern, have a layer of black fabric between them for additional privacy. the padded kneeler folds down from the base.

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melamine longevity pattern dishware

this line of dinnerware is often used in Asian restaurants, due to its durability and inexpensiveness. the pattern, inspired by Ming Dynasty porcelain, features the Chinese character for longevity (or "shou") and was created by Houston-based G.E.T. Enterprises.

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dental mannequin

this articulating mannequin is used for technical training of hygienists in the dental office. the skull-like armature is made of aluminum and is coated in a flexible plastic skin. each tooth is numbered, and can be removed or replaced.  

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egg coddler

used since the late 19th century to lightly cook eggs in water, egg coddlers can also be used to make soufflé, pastry, or other desserts.  this example was designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for Jenaer Glas. 

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votive offering

this votive offering by the sculptor Praxias, inset in a pillar found in the sanctuary of Asclepios in Athens (now in the Acropolis Museum), is carved from marble with inlaid stone eyes. votive offerings were made to honor the gods in hopes of wish fulfillment. 

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admission-control litho tab

used by museums the world over, these tin-plated badges are becoming artifacts, due to the rising cost of metal and the potential risk the stamped edges pose to clothing and skin.

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cats choker

made by Rene Lalique between 1906 and 1908 and part of the Gulbenkian Collection in Lisbon, Portugal, this rock crystal, gold, and diamond necklace takes a geometric approach to the art nouveau style. the crystal squares feature carved images of cats and foliage, and the gold setting flexes to wrap around the wearer's neck.

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nylon rodeo lariat

lariats and lassos use a knot called a honda to create a loose loop over the rope. hondas are often wrapped in part with burners, a molded piece of plastic or leather that allows the loop to retain its shape and reduces wear from pulling tension.

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djellaba

this traditional Berber garment is worn by men and women throughout North Africa. its most striking feature—a high, pointed hood—is protection against the elements in the mountains and deserts of the region, and can be used as a modified pocket for carrying goods and groceries.

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well and tree platter

appearing around the late 18th century in England, and slightly later in the U.S., well and tree platters are both practical and ornamental dinnerware. still in use today, especially for holiday dinners, the branch system of the platter provides a means to collect the liquid from roasted meat for gravy.

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pop beads

first made in the 50s of lucite, then mass-produced plastic, pop beads were worn as customizable jewelry. additionally, chemists used them to display molecular structures, and all-inclusive Club Med resorts incorporated the multi-colored beads as a form of currency at bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

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gurgling fish pitcher

a design believed to have originated in England in the early 19th century, these pitchers make a "glugging" noise when tipped as air pockets in the tail-shaped handle are released.

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Y-shaped divining rod

the primary tool used in dowsing, a pseudoscientific practice originating in 15th century Germany that attempts to locate groundwater or other sought after subterranean features (metals, treasure, etc.). diviners walk with the rod held out in front of them, and believe a dipping or twitching motion indicates a promising site.

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Japanese metro ticket sleeves

free paper envelopes for ticket-holders found in metro and train stations throughout Japan.

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Argand oil lamp

Swiss scientist Aime Argand invented a glass-sleeved oil lamp in 1780 that allowed for a stronger, longer burning wick (producing a light equal to that of 7 candles). it could be afforded primarily by the wealthy; this example is from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. the Argand lamp predated the  popular kerosene hurricane-style lamp in America.