Purse

CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Purse
Datec. 1843
Probable placeHuntsville, Texas, United States
MediumGlass beads, nickel silver, and textile support
Dimensions5 × 3 5/16 × 1/4 in. (12.7 × 8.4 × 0.6 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill
Object numberB.2012.8
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Texas Room
On view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
DescriptionThe maker probably created this small purse according to the directions of a published pattern, as was common with needlework in the 1800s. She beaded “Texas 1843” on the front and “A. B. to E. W.” on the reverse, so the purse was possibly a romantic or friendly gift.
ProvenanceWilliam J. Hill (1934–2018), Houston; given to MFAH, 2012.
Exhibition History"Made in Texas: Art, Life and Culture: 1845–1900," Beeville Art Museum, Texas, September 20, 2014–January 10, 2015.

"A Texas Legacy: Selections from the William J. Hill Collection," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, October 2, 2016–January 2, 2017.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
One one side, in blue beads: Texas. 1843.
On other side, in blue beads: A. B. &(?) E. W.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

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