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Biedermeier Beaded Bag with Oriental Scene – Handcrafted 19th Century Needlework

$240.20
£176.90
€200
CA$326.77
A$363.11
CHF 190.28
MX$4,452.94
NOK 2,426.85
SEK 2,283.09
DKK 1,522.57
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About the Item

This rare Biedermeier beaded bag from the 19th century is a fine example of early European beadwork, both decorative and rich in storytelling detail. The round bag features an elaborate, hand-stitched scene on both sides, rendered entirely in tiny glass beads. Depicted is an Ottoman nobleman in traditional attire – wearing a turban, voluminous trousers, and holding a long pipe – seated in a composed and dignified pose. In front of him kneels a barely clothed servant, offering him an item in a gesture of subservience. The figures are framed by a lush, floral ground beneath, adding depth and softness to the composition. Bead embroidery was a highly valued art form during the Biedermeier period, used to embellish personal accessories with both pattern and narrative. Each tiny bead was meticulously sewn by hand, often requiring great patience and precision. While this piece shows signs of age and has several visible bead losses, as shown in the photos, it remains a beautiful and evocative object. The craftsmanship and detailed imagery make it not only a collector’s item but also a cultural artifact that reflects the period’s fascination with the “Orient” and the fine art of hand embroidery.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7.88 in (20 cm)Diameter: 5.91 in (15 cm)
  • Style:
    Biedermeier (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1820
  • Condition:
    Repaired: As you see in the pictures there are missing parts and some are fixed. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Hamburg, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3958344777182

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