Pocketbook, ER
Name/Title
Pocketbook, EREntry/Object ID
2022.5.2Tags
Bargello, Canvas work, Colonial British America, Embroidery, Florentine stitch, Flame Stitch, Irish Stitch, PocketbookDescription
Envelope-shaped triple fold pocketbook with curved flap in wool on canvas in Flame stitch. Stiff paper (light cardboard) faced with canvas work and lined in pink silk. Two dividers, stiffened by paper and lined with pink silk, one is attached to main body by two pink silk gussets to each side, and the other is attached along the back with a tiny gusset. All edges bound with green cotton tape. Attached to front flap is green cotton tape approximately 9" long. Canvas work is a zig-zag pattern with diamonds (Flame stitch) in yellow, green, red, purple, and blue wool thread.Use
To carry correspondence, documents, and currencyContext
Flame stitch wallets were especially popular from the 1740s to the 1790s. A man’s wallet, often embroidered by a female member of his family, might contain important correspondence, documents, and currency.Collection
ERS Decorative ObjectsCategory
Clothing and dress