Purse
Handbag

Maker & role
Unknown, Maker
 Production date
1870-1880
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Object detail

Production place
England
Collection
Meroogal
Measurements
0 - Whole, L: 24 x W: 20cm (L: 240 x W: 200mm)
Production notes
England? Piqué was a technique introduced into Britain by Huguenot settlers in the 17th century. The technique was distinguished by a pattern of tiny dots (piqué point) and lines (piqué posé) in gold or silver inlaid on tortoiseshell. Piqué point involved pushing thin wires through the tortoiseshell and filing flush. With piqué posé gold & silver strips were pressed into the heated tortoiseshell. This purse could date from 1860 but more likely to have been 1870s when this technique was being mass produced in Birmingham.
Credit line
Purchase, 1985
Meroogal Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
Caption
Purse, 1870-80
Description
This beautiful example of a tortoiseshell piqué purse is embellished with mother-of pearl inlay in a classical design. The piqué technique became very popular in the 1830s with a return to naturalism. The exotic tortoiseshell cover and rich inlay are typical of Victorian mid 19th century design following the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. Dark colours and pearl inlay (pearls signify tears) were common in decorative designs at this time. Tortoiseshell piqué was worn for half mourning. The exotic foreign materials illustrated and symbolised the breadth and power of the British Empire. The purse fastens with a small metal clasp. The flap opens to reveal two partitions in red silk with concertina sides. It was no doubt a very special woman's accessory and has had some wear though June Wallace (family descendent and the last private owner of Meroogal) could not say to whom it had belonged.
Accession number
M86/87

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