Relics of the American West: 1850-1920 - ONLINE ONLY
Lot 2484:
Description
This exquisite late 19th to early 20th-century evening bag showcases the transition between traditional indigenous artistry and Victorian-era fashion. The piece features intricate glass seed beadwork in a floral and geometric motif, meticulously hand-sewn onto a soft buckskin or suede substrate. One side presents vibrant red “berry” clusters and green foliage—motifs often associated with the Plateau or Great Lakes regions—while the reverse is fully encrusted with a shimmering translucent bead background supporting a central cruciform design. The ornate, embossed silver-tone metal frame with a kissing-lock clasp and delicate chain handle suggests a high-quality manufacture typical of “reservation period” items made for sale to travelers or the burgeoning curio market. The interior is lined with a dark, striped silk or cotton fabric. The item shows age-appropriate wear, including some darkening of the leather and visible separation of the bag body from the metal frame at the edges; the beadwork remains remarkably intact with minimal loss. H 4.75″, W 6″, D 0.5″. Please see photos.
Share this lot:
