Description:
Long narrow chain or necklace (sometimes referred to as a watch chain) completely decorated with tiny black and clear glass bead. Black silk ties affixed to either end. Chains, similar to this example but woven (without beads), are known to exist as early as the late 17th century, when they were sometimes known as girdles ("girdels"), possibly worn around the waist like a belt or sash. The height of beaded chains' popularity occured in the 1830s, made by girls or women both in America and abroad. Chains like this example were made either for the makers themselves or as gifts or tokens of love or friendship. This example was made for Amasa Rice (1809-1896) of Chesterfield, Massachusetts, in 1833, by an anonymous maker (possibly "KS"). Against a background of black beads, clear beads declare "In twilight's pensiev lonely hour/ That lovely hour so dear to me/ In some lone grot or woodland bower/ I'll think of thee." This verse comes from "Religion Recommended To Youth..." by Caroline Matilda Thayer, published in 1819. In addition, there are the initials (of the maker), "KS." There are also several symbols, including bowtie, cross or X designs, trees, key, abstract diamond designs, cross, and a house. "KS," perhaps a girl in Chesterfield, may have made this for then-24-year-old Rice as a token of affection. Chains such as this example bear similarities to schoolgirl embroideries such as samplers. These tokens were fairly easy to make at home. Small, narrow looms akin to tape looms were warped with about 10 silk warp threads. A needle would thread 8-10 beads across the narrow (weft) direction in accordance with the design. These chains were a fad of the 1830s. They most often appear in portraits of women worn like a necklace, around the neck, with the ends, presumambly affixed to a watch or key, tucked into a belt. These chains appear to have been made and used largely in America, although examples exist in England and Europe. Amasa Rice was born in Chesterfield, Massachusetts. In the 1840s, he moved to Pittsfield, about 30 miles west, and eventually ran a successful stagecoach company. In 18?? he married Sarah Delano Hubbard (1822-1896?) and they had two children, Robert (Addison?) and Mary (Corinthia Dunham?). The extremely small glass beads are possibly Czech. Beaded chains were not made as mourning rememberances.
Label Text:
Beaded chains or ribbons were a form of jewelry popular in the 1830s. Mostly worn by women and girls like a necklace, beaded chains often draped over the shoulders, supported by wide sleeves. Some chains held a pendant or pocket watch that was tucked into a belt or fold of fabric. They were made either for the makers themselves or as gifts to others symbolizing tokens of love or friendship. The extremely small glass beads may be Venetian or Bohemian. Beaded chains or ribbons were a form of jewelry popular in the 1830s. Mostly worn by women and girls like a necklace, beaded chains often draped over the shoulders, supported by wide sleeves. Some chains held a pendant or pocket watch that was tucked into a belt or fold of fabric. They were made either for the makers themselves or as gifts to others symbolizing tokens of love or friendship. The extremely small glass beads may be Venetian or Bohemian.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2013.15 |
