Scissors and Case thumbnail 1
Scissors and Case thumbnail 2
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Scissors and Case

1500-1600
Place of origin

Shears were used for cutting through fabric, in preparation for sewing. These shears, and their accompanying sheath, are gilded and inlaid with mother of pearl; decorated with stars and human figures. They may have formed part of a bride’s trousseau, or collection of household goods gathered in preparation for marriage.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Scissors
  • Scissors Sheath
Brief description
Small shears inlaid with mother of pearl and incised with a star shaped design with matching case.
Dimensions
  • Height: 9.2cm (Note: Height of shears without sheath.)
Gallery label
SCISSORS, pair of, with SHEATH. Steel, in the form of small shears, with spring back; sheath chiselled and partly gilt, grotesque figures of fools. Italian. 16th centy. Scissors, 3¾ in. Sheath, 3½ in. Bought (Soulages coll.), 1l. 5604, 5604a-'59.(1859)
Summary
Shears were used for cutting through fabric, in preparation for sewing. These shears, and their accompanying sheath, are gilded and inlaid with mother of pearl; decorated with stars and human figures. They may have formed part of a bride’s trousseau, or collection of household goods gathered in preparation for marriage.
Bibliographic reference
Wheeler, Jo Renaissance secrets, recipes and formulas . London: V&A, 2009, pp 58-9
Collection
Accession number
5604-1859

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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