Beaded Handbags
Handmade beaded bags originated about 200 years ago and have been one of the costliest bags ever due to the unique workmanship that goes into each handbag. around 1800, the price for a beaded bag was about $5.00. By the early 1900's, European beaded bags cost about $100.00, which was a very large sum at the time. You can usually tell the age of a beaded bag based on certain indications such as the size of the beads( bags from the mid-1800's are made with very small fine beads- about 1000 beads per square inch.) The designs have changed over the years. Funeral scenes were common on beaded bags in the early 1800's but from 1820 to 1860, beautiful outdoor scenes, historical landmarks, and romantic interludes were depicted.
The major design scheme in these early bags consisted of 3 defined horizontal layers knitted into the bag. The bottom usually had a tassel in the middle. If the bag bottom was square, fringe would be used instead. The front of the bags middle section had illustrated scenes. The top had a pattern that complimented the entire design and usually closed with a drawstring or clasp. These beaded bags were cherished and passed down from generation to generation.
If you are lucky enough to have inherited one of these fabulous bags or found one at an estate sale, it may be worth a great deal of money. enjoy this representation of the past and tell it's story to your own children when you continue the tradition of the beaded bag.