#6420 $525
Tambour embroidered silk purse, c.1900
This clever little purse is a treasure of handwork and detail that speaks to us across time. From the fine tambour embroidered roses to the push-down floral clasp, we sense that every aspect of its design was lovingly planned.
The purse is fashioned from black silk taffeta on the top and bottom with a wide band of embroidered black silk faille ribbon in between. It is lined with rose silk taffeta. In addition to the tambour embroidery, the purse is embellished with rows of pleated ribbon.
The interior is beautifully finished with a fancy pocket on each side, an attached mirror backed with rose silk, and a border of bronze metallic lace. The purse has a brass frame and chains.
"Tambour" refers to a technique that uses a frame to hold the fabric taut. The frame is used with a hook ("the tambour hook"), which resembles a crochet hook. This greatly speeds up the chain stitch compared to the old method, which used only a needle to do the embroidery.
The condition is almost excellent. The exterior is perfect; the lining has a very small mend (1/4"-1/2") where it connects to the frame.
It measures 7" long by 7 1/4" wide. The chains are 14 1/2" long.
