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Elaborate Beaded Handbag with Cloisonné-Style Clasp, Historicism circa 1880

$512.30
£380.60
€430
CA$710.33
A$763.90
CHF 408.46
MX$9,212.36
NOK 5,165.21
SEK 4,706.17
DKK 3,277.31

About the Item

This round antique beaded handbag from the Historicist period, dating to around 1880, is a true collector’s piece and a fine example of 19th-century textile craftsmanship. Its richly detailed design combines colorful beadwork with exceptional decorative elements, making it far more than a simple accessory. The bag features intricate patterns in various hues, carefully hand-beaded with precision. Along the edge, small pom-pom-like bead clusters create a playful and tactile border that adds to the charm and uniqueness of the piece. The highlight, however, is the extraordinary clasp. Designed in the style of an early cloisonné technique, it features fine copper wires forming decorative compartments, some of which are delicately filled with enamel. Small inlaid elements of mother-of-pearl and colored glass further elevate the detail and craftsmanship of this extraordinary closure. The interior is lined with silk, and although some tiny flaws and holes have been lovingly mended, the bag remains a beautiful and well-preserved artifact. Beadwork like this was highly prized in the 19th century and often reflected the fashion, skill, and patience of its maker. These handcrafted accessories were not only stylish but also status symbols, often treasured and passed down through generations. Today, antique beaded handbags are sought-after collectibles, appreciated for their artistry, historical significance, and the personal stories they carry.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.67 in (22 cm)Width: 6.3 in (16 cm)Depth: 0.4 in (1 cm)
  • Style:
    Belle Époque (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1880
  • Condition:
    Repaired. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Hamburg, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3958344502032

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