Pocketbook
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Unknown
Datemid 18th-late 18th century
MediumHand-stitched crewel embroidery on plain-woven linen fabric; interlined with stiff paper or thin cardboard, lined with wool, and bound with cotton
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (width x depth while closed): 3 3/4 x 6in. (9.5 x 15.2cm)
Other (overall width when open): 5 1/4in. (13.3cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1968.74.0
DescriptionEmbroidered pocketbook with a curving "feather" design across the front and stylized flowers and buds on spindly stems on the back of the pocketbook. The background of the design is solidly covered in a New England laid stitch, in blue. The floral designs are worked in outline and laid stitches. A narrow flap covers the pocketbook opening. The pocketbook is lined with brown wool with a white brocaded stripe in white, and interlined with stiff paper or thin cardboard. The interior of the pocketbook is divided into two compartments; an accordian-fold of blue wool fabric on the sides allows the compartment to open up. This fold is stitched closed for the back compartment. The pocketboot has been rebound with dark brown glazed cotton, cut on the straight grain and stitched coarsely with brown thread. The original eighteenth-century binding material would have been a wool or silk tape; the glazed cotton now on the pocketbook was commonly used for garment linings in the nineteenth century.
Status
Not on view
