Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Victorian Lapis Lazuli Blue Silk Beaded Purse or Reticule


Artists prefer a particular color of blue in their palette over all the others. It is rich to the eye and costly. 
Artists know that this particular color of blue makes hearts beat a little faster. It is a rich blue that draws the eye instantly, even from quite a distance away. It is a royal, expensive color and this is the very color of this purse. 
Lapis Blue. 
The purse is perfectly lined and features the original hand mirror that it was initially designed to hold. The little mirror is backed and stitched permanently inside the reticule with silvery gray moirĂ© taffeta. 
The mirror’s reflection, however, is marred due to time. Although it is not cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged, it has an antique crackled glass appearance across its reflection because of the irregularities of the silver coating originally used in its manufacture. 
Yet, there is something surreal and beautiful when you peer into the mirrorbecause whether we admit it or not, there is that quiet wish that you might actually see the original owner peering back.

 

The purse or reticule dates to circa 1885. It is absolutely sublimestrong enough for use...but we caution collectors that its long-term value lies in the fact that it is in such gorgeous condition. 
The bag will make a stunning, eye-catching museum display. This is certainly a most special example of a reticule style from the Victorian era. 
The actual purse is 9 inches or 23 cm long and measures 6-1/2 inches or 16.5 cm across at the opening. The base is 6-7/8 inches or 17.5 cm wide. The corded handles alone in measurement are 6.5 inches or 16.5 cm. The purse's total length, including handles is approximately 19.5 inches or 49.5 cm.

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