Historical information
This is a case to hold bodkins. A Bodkin is shaped like an oversized sewing needle with a blunt point and large eye and is used to pull a drawstring through a fabric casing- an essential to clothes fastenings for centuries.
Beaded cases were popular from late 18th century through to Victorian times
Significance
When most clothes were laced, bodkins were essential tool for dressing. This is a luxury item in which to store bodkins. Complex beadwork completely covers a bone frame.
Physical description
Cylindrical ivory bodkin case decorated with blue, white and red seed beads in diamond design on an opalescent seed bead background with blue beads banding join. Blue Beads top and bottom
Subjects
References
- Illustrated history of needlework tools. Gay Ann Rogers. (Plate 39) ISBN/ISSN: ISBN 0-7195-4021-6
- Antique Needlework Tools and Accessories. Nerylla Taunton. (Col plate 187) ISBN/ISSN: ISBN 1-85149-253-4
