Purse

Original OwnerOriginally owned by sarah sage (American, 1793 - 1847)

Clothing MakerMade by Unknown

Date1825-1847

MediumHand-stitched and embroidered wool on linen canvas, silk, and cotton

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 8 5/8 x 6 5/8in. (21.9 x 16.8cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of the Heirs of Theodora Talcott Slater

Object number1978.1.1044

DescriptionWoman's purse constructed in two parts. The top half is silk with a warp print design of floral- and coral-patterned stripes in grayish lavender and pale grayish ecru. This silk top has a drawstring of purple and white cord stitched within a casing 1 1/2 -inches from the top edge, so that when it is pulled up, the silk forms a ruffle. The lower half of the purse is canvaswork embroidery done in black, grayish purple, pink, and white, in a flame stitch. The seams of this part of the purse are covered with the purple and white cord. The purse is lined with plain cotton.

NotesHistorical Note: Orpha North Hart (1793-1847) took this purse to tea parties.

Status

Not on view