Unknown American
Purse

Public Domain

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Images(2)

Maker Unknown American

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

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

COSTUME & ACCESSORIES

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.

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