18th Century: Beaded bag

1700-1750 (made), France


The finest beadwork in the 18th century was made in France, where accessories such as bags, pocket cases and shoe uppers were produced. Netting created a dense, beaded surface with very fine, multi-coloured beads. This bag depicts three female allegorical figures, including Justice, and the goddess, Athena.

Object details

Silk, glass; hand-woven, netted Silk (Textile), Beads, Silk Cord,
Length: 10cm (approx)
Width: 12.5cm (approx)
Bag of ivory silk thread netted with coloured glass beads, worked in 4 shield-shaped sections and lined with pink silk sarsenet. . Each section bears an allegorical female figure, including Justice, or goddess, Athena. The bag appears to have been cut down through the beading a new casing and drawstring added.
The finest beadwork in the 18th century was made in France, where accessories such as bags, pocket cases and shoe uppers were produced. Netting created a dense, beaded surface with very fine, multi-coloured beads. This bag depicts three female allegorical figures, including Justice, and the goddess, Athena.

 

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