Pouch

Unknown

1810–40 · glass, linen, silk, leather, metal · Costume Institute

This early-19th century bag is in its original condition; its miniscule copper beads intact. The size is worth noting as beads tended to get larger as the 19th century progressed. The central flower and vine motif is a standard element but the border decorations are somewhat unusual. Margaret S. Bedell (1861-1932) donated, by gift or bequest, over 500 objects to the Brooklyn Museum, including furniture, quilts, samplers, costume and Native American beadwork. Her collection of American and European beaded bags includes examples from Philadelphia and the Catskill Mountain region of New York State, as well as Italy, Austria, Germany, and Holland.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1810–40

Medium

glass, linen, silk, leather, metal

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Margaret S. Bedell, 1930