Man's Pocketbook
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Ebenezer Punderson
(American, 1735 - 1809)
EmbroidererAttributed to
Prudence Geer
(American, 1735 - 1822)
Date1771
MediumHand-stitched wool and metallic thread embroidery on (probably linen) canvas, lined with silk, and with interior compartments made of cardboard covered with silk
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width open): 8 1/8 x 7 3/4in. (20.6 x 19.7cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Robert W. Hutton
DescriptionCanvaswork pocketbook, crewel yarns in shades of red to pink, cream, yellow, and gold, shades of green and blue in a design reminiscent of abstract carnations arranged in rows. (The stitched design of echoed shapes in varying shades is known today as "bargello.") When open, the pocketbook features two opposing compartments, each split in two across the width by a cardboard divider covered with silk. The entire pocketbook is lined with this pale blue silk (which has a group of three narrow woven stripes--it was perhaps once a handkerchief, and these stripes were along the edge), and is edged with blue cotton tape. The sides are accordian-pleated cream-colored silk. Along the top of one of the interior compartments is worked the name "Ebenezer Punderson" and the date "1771" in metallic thread.
Object number1990.40.0
NotesAttribution note: According to family history, the pocketbook is said to have been made by Ebenezer's daughter, Sylvia Punderson Morgan (1769-1826). However, Sylvia would only have been about two years old in 1771. It is more likely that the pocketbook was made by Ebenezer's wife Prudence Geer Punderson (1735-1822), an accomplished needleworker. (Schoelwer 11/2008)On View
Not on view
