Images(3)

Raised Beadwork Basket

Date1650-1675

OriginEngland

MediumGlass beads, wire, metal, paper, silk, wood, linen

DimensionsOH: 6 1/2" x OL: 19 1/2" x OW: 26 1/4"

Credit LineAnonymous gift.

Object number1971-1642

DescriptionThis is a rectangular beadwork basket that features in its center a courting couple. There are four trefoil handles covered in blue and white beads, creating a striped pattern. The sides of the basket consist of a framework of diamonds made of green and white beads. On top of this framework are beadwork leaves, flowers, acorns, and fruit such as pears, lemons, and berries. The fruits and leaves are depicted in various stages of ripeness. The bottom of the basket consists of an off-white silk ground fabric placed over a piece of paper. The bottom shows a man and woman under a trellis of fruit trees. The woman stands under a tree full of bunches of grapes, likely representing her own fecundity. The woman also holds a flower. Underneath the figures are a stag and spotted dog. To the left of the man is a lion and to the right of the woman is a unicorn. Between the bottom of the figures and the top of the stag and dog are the initials "E" and "H."
Label TextThis basket, which is entirely made of colorful beads, shows the betrothal of a young couple. The figures are three dimensional, and are framed by three-dimensional fruits and flowers. The basket was made as a decorative centerpiece and was probably sold as a "kit" for amateur bead and needleworkers to make.
InscribedNone
MarkingsOn bottom of basket, worked in beads "EH"
ProvenanceEx coll: Tomlinson.