This is a really fabulous vintage evening bag or purse, dating to the 1920s; or perhaps earlier.
The bag is made of glass beads - these are the very tiniest of beads - the beadwork is just superb - I can't believe they could make items with glass beads so very tiny in scale.
CONDITION: The bag is in very good vintage condition - there are no losses to the beadwork on the main body of the bag - but it could probably benefit from a wee stitch to one small bit under the clasp where the hinge opens - you don't see this unless you open the clasp to its fullest extent and lay the side seams flat out. It is very minuscule and minor in nature. Just a couple of wee stitches to secure would sort this out. The bag has its original butter yellow fine silk lining - which is in the main intact - but has one little area of "splitting" to the silk lining near the top - this is commensurate with age of the bag - and also the delicate nature of the fine silk - but it is generally pretty good.
There is looped fringing made of the tiniest clear and emerald lampwork bead along the bottom - this is all present.
At the top is a metal clasp - not sure if it is silver plate on brass - but it is very decorative with an engraved pattern of small flowers and scrollwork. It has a pair of balls to open and close. The chain is made of long oval links - nice long chain for carrying.
The handle and chain is in excellent condition - all held in place on the main beaded textile by tiny wee vintage pins or pegs.
The bag has its original dark blue lining which has a subtle printed purple pattern on it - and lined all around the edges with old gold brocade border.
There are no damages, holes or losses to any of the beading on the main body section. Condition - as noted above. I love the pattern on this one - it is certainly stunning. The main body colour comes from clear beads - which glisten in the light and look like silver. Along the bottom on each side is the same intricate design. This shows a country cottage garden in full bloom in summer - blue hollyhocks to one side, blousy pink roses, lustre pink daisy type flowers - and some red and red and white flowers throughout. Above near the clasp is a garland of lime green leaves and pale pink blush flowers. These are also in a random band in the central area. - it is all quite, quite exquisite - and I hope that my photos do it full justice.
Probably a bag for the more specialist collector for display purposes - given the relative fragility of the construction and fine beads - but if you are careful with it - you could, of course, use it.
Height to top of the clasp from the bottom of the bag is about 10 inches (not including the fringes) – and width is 7 3/4 inches. So a lovely size for modern use - could fit most of your accessories etc for a special formal night out - or just as a fantastic addition to your collection.
As you can see a really lovely vintage flapper bag.
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