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

Images(2)

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.