Miser Bag
1801/50
Medium
Steel cut beads; silk crochet; steel findings; trimmed with spiraled wire and beads strung and joined in pattern
Dimensions
45.3 × 6.4 cm (17 7/8 × 2 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
5622
Art Historical Context
### Miser Bag, 1801/50 Step into the refined world of early 19th-century fashion this stunning *Miser Bag*, a petite accessory from the Art Institute of Chicago's Textiles collection. Dating to between 1801 and 1850, these drawstring purses—often called "miser" for their secure, coin-holding design—were essential for both men and women during the Regency and early Victorian eras. Measuring just 45.3 × 6.4 cm, this example exemplifies the era's love for compact, elegant携带 items that blended utility with opulence. Crafted by an unknown artist, the bag showcases masterful textile techniques: si...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...