A truly elegant example of Edwardian eveningwear, this beautiful black velvet handbag perfectly captures the glamour and craftsmanship of the early twentieth century. Richly embellished with intricate micro glass bead embroidery, the bag is finished with a striking faux tortoiseshell celluloid frame, complete with its original lever clasp and plaited silk carry handle.
The beauty of this piece lies in its understated elegance. Hundreds of tiny glass beads form an intricate lattice and scrolling design across the sumptuous black velvet, catching the light with a subtle shimmer rather than sparkle. The oversized rounded silhouette gives the bag a wonderfully soft, sculptural shape, making it feel surprisingly modern despite its age.
Opening the distinctive celluloid clasp reveals one of the bag’s greatest treasures: an exquisite 100% silk lining woven in an intricate paisley design. As expected for an antique of this age, the silk lining shows areas where the weave has become fragile and begun to separate, a common characteristic of historic silk textiles. The bag remains structurally sound and displays beautifully, but should be handled with the care an Edwardian accessory deserves.
I particularly love styling pieces like this with contemporary clothing rather than period dress. It would look just as chic worn with a flowing maxi dress and trainers as it would with relaxed tailoring or a simple black evening outfit, allowing this remarkable piece of craftsmanship to become the focal point.
Over a century after it was made, this is an antique handbag to treasure, combining exceptional workmanship with timeless elegance.
Details
- Edwardian black velvet evening bag
- Intricate micro glass bead embroidery throughout
- Faux tortoiseshell celluloid frame with original lever clasp
- Original plaited silk carry handle
- Original 100% silk paisley lining
- Soft gathered construction
- Antique condition with age-related wear
- Silk lining shows areas of weave separation and fragility consistent with age
- A beautiful and highly wearable Edwardian accessory
