Miser's purse
early 19th century
Medium
costume & accessories
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Albert Blum
Accession Number
1953-106-83
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of early 19th-century fashion with this charming *Miser's Purse*, a delightful example of period costume and accessories from the Smithsonian American Museum. Dating to the early 1800s, these purses were practical yet intricately crafted items, typically featuring two connected pouches accessed by sliding rings. The design allowed users—often women—to separate coins or small valuables, embodying the era's blend of thriftiness and ingenuity, hence the "miser" moniker. Handmade by an unknown artisan, likely using fine needlework techniques such as knitting, crochetin...
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...