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Silk Purse made from Repurposed Sleeve Bands

China
Embroidered textile: 19th century
Bag shape: ca. 1912-49

A silk purse pouch made from repurposed embroidered Qing dynasty sleeve bands.


The two embroidered images would have been on either end of a woman's robe sleeves. One side of the pouch shows mirrored scenes of an immortal riding a dragon fish that is rising out of waves, whilst the other two scenes each show a female immortal figure holding a child and standing on clouds. Both sides are composed with flowers and scholars' rocks over the yellow silk ground. This purse would have had a metal clasp and been used as a European clutch bag.

Additional information

It is possible that object information will be updated as new research findings are discovered. Please email kentonicollection@gmail.com if you can improve this record.

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