Images(7)

Sewing Box with Tools

Dateca. 1830

OriginAsia, India, Vizagapatam (possibly) (sewing box); Asia, India and Europe (sewing tools)

MediumSewing box: Ivory and silver inlay on veneered wood with brass lock and handles, and silk (?) velvet lining. Sewing tools: ivory, mother-of-pearl, gold, steel, silk, and cotton thread (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOverall: 4 7/8 × 13 × 9in. (12.4 × 33 × 22.9cm)

Credit LineBequest of Michael and Susan Sirkis

Object number2021-223

DescriptionThis is a rectangular sewing box of ivory and silver inlaid on veneer, finely detailed with intricate geometric designs using sadeli, a micro-mosaic of woods, metals, and ivory. The box has twin brass handles and a brass lock. Some of the inlaid ivory designs are stained red or green. The box has a hinged opening to reveal six lidded compartments, a pincushion, ivory thimble holder, and seven ivory cotton barrels, some holding cotton thread. The top tray lifts out to reveal a “hidden” storage area. Some of the compartments contain sewing tools, not all of which are original to the box. The center compartment holds an ivory multi spool thread holder with thread that appears to be original to the box, as does an ivory double spool thread holder with thread in the center bottom compartment. Other sewing tools include: ivory sewing or lace-making clamp with pink silk top; engraved ivory tatting shuttle; 12 ivory thread winders; 1 mother-of-pearl thread winder; 2 ivory fish; 1 ivory needle case; 1 ivory bodkin; 1 ivory crochet hook; 2 ivory clamps for spool and thread; 1 eyelet punch; 1 ivory, gold, and steel tambour hook; and 1 pair of small steel scissors.
Label TextIn the nineteenth century decorative sewing boxes were made in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes to house utilitarian and ornate needlework tools. This sewing box is made of ivory and silver inlaid on veneer, finely detailed with intricate geometric designs using sadeli, a micro-mosaic of woods, metals, and ivory. The box has twin brass handles and a brass lock. Some of the inlaid ivory designs are stained red or green. The box has a hinged opening to reveal six lidded compartments, a pincushion, ivory thimble holder, and seven ivory cotton barrels, some holding cotton thread. The top tray lifts out to reveal a “hidden” storage area.
InscribedThere are undecipherable penciled inscriptions on the inside of the pincushion clamp.
ProvenanceOther than donor, there is no known provenance.