French Empire small sewing case, circa 1809-1819.
Scope and Contents
The Gay Ann Rogers Collection contains items related to various types of needlework, sewing, and textiles. These materials range in time frame from the 17th through 21st centuries. It includes needlework boxes and cases, needles and related tools, embroidery scissors, tape measures, pincushions, various types of thread containers, darners, antique baby gowns, lacemaking, knitting, and crochet tools, among many other related objects. It also contains many items in five types of Scottish Mauchline ware (transfer ware, tartan ware, fern ware, lacquer ware, and photographic ware) and various textiles created by Gay Ann Rogers herself, as well as some Jane Austen-related memorabilia she collected. Of note are Ellen Browning Scripps' own sewing case, novelty shaped thimbles, and the intricate spool holders.
Dates
- Creation: circa 1809-1819.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection open for research.
Extent
From the Series: 1 box
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Physical Description
2.5 x 11 x 6.5 centimeters.
Note
French. Satinwood case; transition between 18th century objet du vertu for sewing tools and 19th century flat sewing case; it is miniaturized version of Palais Royal fitted needlework box with all tools fitting into recessed openings, and mirror in lid covered by silk pad to protect mirror and tools when case is closed; inside of box has white velvet-covered tray on which are thimble, perfume bottle, scissors over thread winder, bodkin, reel and needle case, all metal of two-color gold; design on needle case and shanks of scissors with Egyptian and classical motifs commemorates Napoleon's Egyptian campaign; same design can be seen on Empire objects in Malmaison today; gold work is finely done as is cut glass of small perfume bottle and snowflake-shaped mother-of-pearl thread winder beneath handles of scissors.
Repository Details
Part of the 02 - Ella Strong Denison Library Repository