THE PURSE MUSEUM

Egyptian Revival purse / handbag of the 1920's

In 1922 British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered of King Tutankhamun's  tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. The wealth, beauty and artistry he uncovered astounded the world.  Everything from fashion to architecture embraced this new and wonderful 3000 year old imagery.

For a purse lover the Egyptian Revival handbags have it all!  I have seen a golden sphinx diamond accented frame with a beautiful purse body below. It was sold for many thousands  of dollars at auction. More affordable  are the 3 dimentional  purse frames made of  colored carved celluloid. For more of these look at the web site celluloidpurses.com. I have included a link on the contacts page.

There are beaded or embroidered purse bodies with scenes of pharos, and desert pyramids. The combinations and materials are endless,  each one is richer and more wonderful than the next. They can combine both art deco and art nouveau styles.

These texture rich purses are becoming harder to find and more expensive... please enjoy my small sampling.