Description:
Man's rectangular, flat wallet or pocketbook with a fold-over flap that secured by a dark-brown twill tape. Matching tape edges the sides of the wallet as well as the flap, which is overcast stitched to the wallet. The wallet is embroidered with polychrome wool crewel yarns in a flame stitch on linen; the colors of which include two shades of brown, orange, cream, and blue. Inside, the wallet is lined in a dark brown, glazed, twill weave wool (calimanco?). There is one divider, making two compartments. The divider, as well as the front, back, and flap, are interfaced with cardboard. Cases for holding documents, paper money, letters and business cards were made by women to be used by men. The flame stitch pattern was easily accomplished, popular in a wide range of designs, and impressed people with its color, workmanship, and connotation of wealth when presented in the marketplace. Fine needlework defined status for both ladies and gentlemen during the 18th century, and reflected well on a genteel household where women had the skill and time to execute such work. Some of these wallets may also have been carried by a woman; however, the majority of these surviving accessories are embroiderd with men's names which give us the impression that they were mostly used by men.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2000.19.2 |
