Surface is constructed of beaded knitting, a type of knitting in which the stitches are decorated with ceramic or glass beads. The beading depicts a pattern of two nested multicolored paisleys that fill the piece. The smaller, inner paisley curls out to the right, and gives the illusion of being overlaid on the object's surface. The larger paisley curls left and features an outer, rust-colored ring that alternates a pattern of circular floral medallions. Around this, an irregular taupe doily-like scalloped border leads to a olive green background design. It has smaller blue paisleys mirrored on the left and right edge, positioned with the tapering end closest to the bag’s edge. There is brown fringe with black tips hanging from the bottom edge of the bag. The top of the bag features an engraved hinged frame clasp, with two miniscule knobs at center. A hoop chain link strap connects from the clasp, and features a repeating pattern of three small interlocking circles-- “figaro” style chainlink. The bag is placed flat on a white backdrop.

There is one other image of this object. See our image rights statement.

Object Timeline

1910	Work on this object began.
1920	Work on this object ended.
1988	We acquired this object.
2014	We photographed this object.
2015	We photographed this object.
2019	We exhibited this object.
2024	You found it!

Purse

This is a Purse. It was designed by Franz Xaver Unterseher and made by Emma & Sophie Maull. It is dated ca. 1915 and we acquired it in 1988. Its medium is silk, glass beads, silver and its technique is beaded knitting. It is a part of the Textiles department.

This object was donated by Betty Ivey Martin. It is credited Gift of Betty Ivey Martin.

Its dimensions are

H x W (with chain extended): 40.6 × 24.3 cm (16 in. × 9 9/16 in.)

It has the following markings

STERLING (stamped on frame)

It is inscribed

Vivian Martin Jefferson (engraved on frame)

Cite this object as

Purse; Designed by Franz Xaver Unterseher (German, 1888–1954); Made by Emma & Sophie Maull; silk, glass beads, silver; H x W (with chain extended): 40.6 × 24.3 cm (16 in. × 9 9/16 in.); Gift of Betty Ivey Martin; 1988-78-2

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Paisley.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2DuCR/
Accession Number 1988-78-2
Object ID 18631969