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2009 Record shot by L. Baumgarten. Pocketbook, closed.
Pocketbook
2009 Record shot by L. Baumgarten. Pocketbook, closed.

Pocketbook

Date1760-1780
OriginEurope, France
MediumRibbed silk, paint, silver gilt metallic threads, gold, paperboard, hair
DimensionsClosed: H: 4"; W: 6" Open: OH 9 3/8"
Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors
Object number1971-1401
DescriptionFolding pocketbook made of white ribbed silk, quilted and embellished with painted motifs outlined with metallic chain stitches. The obverse exterior of the pocketbook has a rose sprig in the center, bordered by green painted meandering ribbon interlaced with a leafy meandering embroidered vine. The reverse exterior has a similar design with an added bottle and pail. The interior designs include an asymmetrical rose sprig on one panel and two love birds under a wreath with crossed quiver and torch on the other panel. The interior has two compartments lined with carnation colored silk, one closed with a shaped flap and gold shell-shaped clasp. The quilting is padded with wool batting and worked with running stitches in a diamond pattern. The pocketbook is stiffened with paperboard. Interior encloses a lock of blond hair.
Label TextInside this pocketbook is a lock of silky hair, probably that of a child. When and why was the hair tucked into the case? Was it a loving gesture on the part of a parent or grandparent? No information was included in the pocketbook about the hair, so we may never know.
ProvenanceEx coll: Tomlinson, Mrs. DeWitt Clinton Cohen.
Exhibition(s)