Sewing case
late 18th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mary M. Kenway from the estate of Sarah B. Russell
Accession Number
1956-181-50
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the intimate world of late 18-century American domestic life with this charming sewing case, a practical yet personal accessory from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's. Dating to the final decades of the 1700s, such cases were essential tools for women managing households, holding needles, threads, thimbles, and pins for mending clothes, sewing garments, or crafting linens. Classified under costume and accessories, it reflects the era's emphasis on self-sufficiency and resourcefulness in a young nation where ready-made clothing was rare. Though the artist and medium remain unidentified—befitting many everyday objects of the time—this sewing case highlights the skilled craftsmanship of anonymous makers. These items often featured intricate stitching, embroidery, or decorative elements that blended utility with subtle artistry, serving as both functional kits and cherished keepsakes passed down through families. A generous gift to the Smithsonian from Mary M. Kenway, via the estate of Sarah B. Russell, this piece connects us to generations of women whose hands shaped American homes. Research continues to uncover more about its story, inviting us to appreciate the quiet elegance of overlooked artifacts.
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...