Women's purses are uniquely personal statements. Many antique beaded, textile, and leather purses have survived as treasured collectibles and new styles are fashion icons.
This exquisite new book examines the passionate history, art, and design of antique, vintage, and contemporary purses in an informative and accessible format. Over 700 high quality purses were chosen from private collections, including Cora Ginsburg LLC, the premier dealer of antique textiles and costume in the United States. Many have never been published before, providing a fresh resource for collectors. Many pre-date 1860.
Chapters cover the history of purses; pockets; misers; chatelaines; fabric, tapestry, and needlework purses; leather bags; dance, compact, and evening purses; wirework and mesh bags; beaded purses; tortoiseshell, shell, and ivory styles; souvenir and even plastic purses; and unique and very rare examples. Detail photos show particularly unusual features. A section on beaded purse repair, by Terri Lykins and the Antique Purse Collector's Society, offers tips and a new opportunity for collectors. Each caption provides detailed descriptions and current values, and the extensive bibliography gives many resources for further reading.
Paula Higgins and Lori Blazer are both members of the prestigious Antique Purse Collector's Society and serious collectors who continue to learn about the fine points of their passions in antique costumes and textiles. Paula has contributed to two previous books on purses and provided appraisals for important collections. She lives in Georgia. Lori advises dealers and collectors on antiques purses. She lives in Southern California.
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