Etui
1750-1800
Medium
Decorative Arts
Classification
Decorative Arts
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.245.56
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of 18th personal accessories with this elegant *Etui*, a small ornamental case crafted between 1750 and 1800. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum as a gift from collector John Gellatly, unidentified work exemplifies decorative arts from America's Colonial and early Federal eras. Etuis like this were essential for women, serving as portable containers for sewing needles, pins, or toiletries—blending functionality with delicate artistry. In an age when craftsmanship reflected social status, such objects highlighted the skill of anonymous makers influenced b...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –