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

Pocketbook

Date1800-1830
OriginEurope, France
MediumSilk satin, silver lace, silk and metallic thread embroidery, parchment, paint, paper
DimensionsW: 4 5/8"; H, closed: 4"; thickness, folded: 1 1/4"; OL open: 10 1/2"
Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors
Object number1971-1420
Description1) Folding pocketbook covered with white silk satin embroidered with polychrome silks and metallic threads, edged with silver metallic lace. Exterior is embroidered with 3 lobed or scalloped floral medallions. 1 1/2-inch wide green silk satin ribbon is attached to the semicircular flap to tie the case shut (ribbon possibly not original). Inside the case are six gusseted compartments, covered with either blue, pink or yellow silk and embroidered on ten sides with silk floral and basket motifs. Stitches include satin, knots, and chain. The case contains 3 parchment cards painted with sentiments and scenes and one embroidered paper card:
2) Birds in an oval leafy frame; the phrase "Rien ne peut m'arrêter que la plaisir de vous fêter." (Size 1 3/4 X 2 3/4")
3) White bird holds a heart in its beak with other hearts at his feet in a sunny landscape; the phrase "Mon chois fait mon bonneur." (Size 2 3/8 X 3 1/8")
4) Man on horseback carrying a heart; written above is the phrase "Ce courier deligent vous porte mon présent." (Size 2 1/2 X 3 5/8")
5) A paper card embroidered with a heart and pansy in reversible silk work, with phrases front and back: "Cher papa, pour te fêter Mon Coeur veut toujours aime" and on other side, "Mon Coeur et ma pensée s'occupent de vos bontés."
Label TextThis folding pocketbook is embroidered on the outside as well as on all six interior compartments with flowers and baskets in silk and metallic threads. Still inside the pocketbook are hand-painted and embroidered cards received or intended as Valentines. The sentiments, written in French, talk about honoring the recipients and sending greetings from the heart. One of the cards is stitched with silk through paper in a reversible embroidery technique; the front and back are equally finished. The greeting is addressed to the embroiderer's "Cher papa" (dear father) and sends her love.
ProvenanceEx coll: Tomlinson, D.C. Cohen.
Exhibition(s)