pouch; roughly teardrop-shaped with squared-off top with long vertical slit opening from top; gold, green, red and white embroidery; white fabric embroidered overall with gold organic lines; scrolling plant forms and flowers around edge of opening; four pair of drooping red and white buds; one pair of symmetrical flowers in green and gold vases; large asymmetrical flower bouquet at bottom center in a red and white striped container; received mounted, framed in gilt frame and glazed

Embroidered pocket, 18th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

In the 1700s, European women wore pockets as a separate accessory attached to their waists, beneath voluminous skirts and petticoats. These accessories were generously sized – large enough to stash a container of smelling salts, a small bottle of perfume, a clutch of love letters, a portable almanac, perhaps even a pocket microscope.

Women’s pockets were elaborately embroidered, despite the fact that they were seen only by the wearer and her intimates. The meandering yellow stitches on this pocket were common in the early 1700s. They were inspired by traditional embroidery from Bengal that featured naturally yellow wild silk on a cream fabric ground. When English tradesmen began importing Bengali fabrics in the late 1600s, local craftspeople quickly imitated these exotic goods. This pocket demonstrates that long-distance trade networks influenced the most intimate everyday objects, even a lady’s receptacle for personal treasures.

Details
Title
Embroidered pocket
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2017.42
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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pouch; roughly teardrop-shaped with squared-off top with long vertical slit opening from top; gold, green, red and white embroidery; white fabric embroidered overall with gold organic lines; scrolling plant forms and flowers around edge of opening; four pair of drooping red and white buds; one pair of symmetrical flowers in green and gold vases; large asymmetrical flower bouquet at bottom center in a red and white striped container; received mounted, framed in gilt frame and glazed