THE PURSE MUSEUM

You could easily call this one a miss match because the frame is western with biblical design, and the bag is Chinese. It is one I truely love.

The embroidered purse bag is a Rank Badge, this is one of a series that was used to denote the ranks of both civil and military officials in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Because of the fabulous design and embroidery they were collected in the late 19th and early 20th century by western diplomats and missionaries. The westerners had them framed, hung, and even made purses from them.  They have been so popular with collectors that they have been reproduced today, and as early as the 1930's.

The fabulous hallmarked silver turn of the century frame  bears the engraved name of 'Lily Turner Mullikin' of Louisville Kentucky on one side, and the hand repousse figures representing biblical stories on the front. The frame maker is possibley Storck & Sinsheimer of Hanu Germany.

The story depictions translated by a good friend are as follows: left to right  please enjoy!

1. Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden with an apple
2. Slaying of Isaac -  Abraham, Isaac, the Angel intervening, the ram in the bush
3. Jacob's dream, &  Bethel with the ladder (stairway to heaven and the angels ascending and descending on it.
4. Jacob werestling with the Angel
5. (Numbers 13 - 15) Spies sent by Moses to the land of Canaan, bringing back a cluster of grapes to represent the fertility of the land.
6. Jonah & the Whale
7. Chatelaine top decoration: Sarah - the matriarch.