Pin Cushion
1650-1699 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This pin cushion characterises the style of embroidery of the 1660s and 1670s. The preference is for mainly metal threads worked over thick padding, giving a heavy three-dimensional effect. The embroidery design is quite architectural, incorporating stylised floral patterns.
This pin cushion characterises the style of embroidery of the 1660s and 1670s. The preference is for mainly metal threads worked over thick padding, giving a heavy three-dimensional effect. The embroidery design is quite architectural, incorporating stylised floral patterns.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Satin, embroidered with silver and silver-gilt thread, cord and purl |
| Brief description | Pin cushion of embroidered satin, England, 1650-1699 |
| Physical description | Small, rectangular pin cushion of deep purple satin embroidered with silver gilt and silver thread with metal cord and purl inlaid work with some padding. It is also embroidered with some coloured silks in satin stitch. The edges are bound with a silver gilt braid and at each corner are tassels of purple ribbon and silver gilt and silver thread attached to wooden balls wrapped in silver thread. Both sides of the pin cushion have closely packed floral borders and a crowned monogram. On one side a more simple monogram is enclosed by a wreath and on the other side an elaborate monogram is flanked by feathers. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'A.E.' (Crowned monogram) |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
PURSE AND PINCUSHIONS By 1680 women used fewer pins when getting dressed. These pin cushions are much smaller than those used around 1600. The dense, metal thread embroidery also leaves little room for pins. Some contemporary writers mocked the variety of luxury trinkets to be found in a lady's dressing room.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Given by Peter Barker-Mill |
| Object history | Made in England |
| Summary | Object Type This pin cushion characterises the style of embroidery of the 1660s and 1670s. The preference is for mainly metal threads worked over thick padding, giving a heavy three-dimensional effect. The embroidery design is quite architectural, incorporating stylised floral patterns. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.55-1978 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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