19 th Century Chatelaine Purse with Black and Bronze coloured Beadwork (SOLD)

This is a Victorian crochet bead work purse. It has been worked with bronze brown coloured seed beads for the background with a geometric pattern of black seed beads to contrast.  The pattern is repeated on both sides.  Inside the thread has turned a nice gold colour which adds to the antique appeal of the item. You can clearly see the neat crochet stitches. The purse is approximately 3 inches by 2.5 inches in size.  It has a gilded brass frame with a 'kissing' type clasp and a ring so that it could be fixed to the Chatelaine. The word 'Chatelaine' comes from France.  The French for wool is 'laine' and house or mansion is 'chateau'.  So you can see how the keeper of the keys to the linen closet or armoire where valuables were stored became known as the Chatelaine.  And the meaning eventually transferred from the person to the object!  Chatelaine hooks  were originally worn over garments in the 12th Century and had the keys suspended on them. Later the Chatelaine, basically an ornamental hook,clasp or pin worn at the waist of the mistress of the house, sported a series of chains from which objects such as a pomanders, keys, watch, purse, trinkets and sewing implements were hung ready for use. Patterns for  purses like this were often published in Victorian magazines. Mademoiselle Riego de la Branchardiere was credited with the introduction of crochet as a craft into Britain.  A 19th Century  journalist, she  inspired Victorian ladies with their various handicrafts and needlework projects.   She brought out 'The Needle' publication between 1852 and 1853 and published instructions and patterns for all kinds of needlework.  Crochet work ,like this little antique purse ,required beads to be threaded onto crochet silks and then worked into a design.  This lovely little purse has a few beads lost, but it doesn't really spoil it!  It is still a good example of Victorian beadwork and small collectable purses.

ACCESSORY DETAILS

Designer or Brand: None, this is a hand made antique purse.

Condition: Very Good

Decade: 1890s

Era: Antique ( pre 1910)

Type: Beaded Bag Chatalaine Purse

Material: Fabric and Glass Bugle Beads, Metal Frame