Pouch
Unknown Artist
third quarter 19th century
Medium
Glass, linen, cotton
Classification
Pouch
Culture
American
Department
Costume Institute
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Ferdinand Coudert, 1962
Accession Number
2009.300.5302
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate pouch, crafted by an unknown American artist in the third quarter of 19th century (circa 1850–1875), exemplifies the refined accessories of Victorian-era women's fashion. Popular as a reticule or small handbag, it allowed ladies to carry essentials like handkerchiefs, coins, or calling cards while complementing elaborate gowns. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute—from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection, gifted in 2009—this piece reflects the era's emphasis on portable elegance amid America's growing industrial and social sophistication. Made from gla...