Sewing implement
Category
Ivory and bone
Date
Unknown
Materials
Cotton, Ivory, Metal, Mother-of-pearl [pinctada maxima], Silk, Silver, Wood, Wool
Order this imageCollection
Smallhythe Place, Kent (Accredited Museum)
On show at
Smallhythe Place, Kent, London and South East, National Trust
NT 1117751
Caption
This intricate sewing box sits atop a 19th century Japanese lacquer work table and once belonged to actress Ellen Terry. Among the many items contained in the compartments are a large collection of bone, ivory and mother of pearl needlework tools and embroidery implements. An unfinished panel of needlework sits in the bottom tray.
Summary
Multitude of small ivory implements for sewing, contained in sewing box with two levels, top section divided into 14 sections. Each section contains various implements for sewing (fully described in list in Smallhythe Place office red file, complete with dimensions). Base section of box mostly containing threads, ribbons, silk, tapestry, lace and other fabric samples used in sewing (again fully described in list in office).