Purse
ca. 1925 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Art Deco had a great influence on jewellery design, and companies such as Tiffany, Boucheron and Cartier made many small, expensive accessories that were related to the handbag, such as tiny vanity and cigarette cases. Designs of the 1920s typically featured black enamel and diamanté, while others were embellished with real gems such as Cartier's evening bags, some in enamelled gold and diamonds with Pharaonic motifs. This silver mesh evening purse is decorated with a geometric black and white enamelled clasp and pearl drop.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Silver mesh, enamelled mounts, leather and pearl |
| Brief description | Evening purse made of fine metal mesh with a silver frame, France, ca. 1925 |
| Physical description | Evening purse made of fine metal mesh with a silver frame, and with a pearl-drop detail. With a black and white enamelled clasp with a D-shape handle and black leather-lined wrist strap. Lacy fringe of chain mail. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | ADORNMENT
Whether crystal-encrusted or trimmed with exotic feathers, evening bags can finish an outfit like a piece of fine jewellery. Often small and sculptural, these accessories can be treasured objects in their own right, selected for their beauty rather than for functionality. They signify exclusivity and are able to complement a fashionable ensemble.
Renowned jewellers such as Lacloche Frères, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany & Co. are among those who have made some of the most covetable and treasured vanity cases for evening wear, as well as handbags featuring precious and semi-precious stones and gold.
V&A, Room 40, Bags: Inside Out. (12/2020) |
| Summary | Art Deco had a great influence on jewellery design, and companies such as Tiffany, Boucheron and Cartier made many small, expensive accessories that were related to the handbag, such as tiny vanity and cigarette cases. Designs of the 1920s typically featured black enamel and diamanté, while others were embellished with real gems such as Cartier's evening bags, some in enamelled gold and diamonds with Pharaonic motifs. This silver mesh evening purse is decorated with a geometric black and white enamelled clasp and pearl drop. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | CIRC.245-1971 |
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| Record created | March 3, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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