Lush supple silk velvet, sheered along with the silk lining and a padding of cotton between, this rare kiln-fired enamel frame evening purse has survived intact, and needs only someone who has a little time, some glass beads and heavy thread to secure the attachment of bag to frame (see the empty holes?). A stitch and 4 beads at each one - maybe an hour or two during a binge tv series? I've owned this bag and stored it now for 30 years in archival tissue pouch. And have not yet done those few stitches. It is time to let it go to someone else's collection. I will add, that velvet is remarkably nice, and there are no holes and very little evidence of loss of nap. Folded at bottom and gathered thus, it creates a seamless and elegant pouch-like bottom half. Whomever owned it since it was made decided they wanted a chain or handle, and did a poor job attaching 2 brass rings on backside. Luckily, there is no pull or tearing to velvet, but they should come off. There's nothing to indicate this bag ever originally had a handle or strap, and it has much more the feel and quality of an evening clutch.
Very good condition for age and type. Kiln-fired champleve enamel work has a look of plique-du-jour, but it is champleve. Looking at it from top, it is 6 1/4" long and 1 1/4" widest there where the celeste and cobalt blue cabochons are mounted. Each glass cabochon is 6mm in diameter, and a matching one is set on the clasp fob. The velvet, lain flat is 9 1/2" wide and 8 1/2" long overall. The cream silk lining is in good condition without holes or fraying, deterioration to speak of. Age, but really only needs the little stitching mentioned. I have been unable to find a comparison bag with elaborate champleve frame. I find no maker marks. So soft, beautiful! You can fairly visualize Empress Eugenie with this one, can't you. One I would use, myself.
