Vintage Micro-Beaded Floral Motif Evening Bag from India
Evening Bag / Top Handle Frame Bag · Unbranded Artisanal; likely produced for the luxury export market in India during the mid-20th century. High-tier artisanal craftsmanship.
Collection: Traditional Indian Zardozi and Beaded Artisanal Line; typically exported to high-end boutiques in the UK, USA, and France.
Style
Evening Bag / Top Handle Frame Bag
Brand
Unbranded Artisanal; likely produced for the luxury export market in India during the mid-20th century. High-tier artisanal craftsmanship.
Material
Hand-applied micro-beads on a silk or satin textile base. The construction features a hidden metal frame and meticulous surface beading where beads are applied using the tambooring or tambour embroidery technique.
Dimensions
Width: 25cm (10in), Height: 15cm (6in), Depth: 3cm (1.2in), Strap Drop: 12cm (4.7in). Equivalent to a 'Medium Evening' size.
Description
An exquisite example of mid-century evening elegance, this hand-beaded bag showcases the remarkable skill of Indian artisans. Featuring a tone-on-tone ivory palette, the bag relies on structural beadwork to create a shimmering floral pattern. The soft, rounded frame and delicate snake chain reflect the sophisticated 'Lady-Like' aesthetic of the 1960s, making it a timeless piece for bridal or formal occasions.
Key Features
Dense, uninterrupted micro-beading; custom beaded kiss-lock clasp; classic 'snake' style chain; and the specific 'raised' texture of the floral outlines.
Material & Construction
Hand-applied micro-beads on a silk or satin textile base. The construction features a hidden metal frame and meticulous surface beading where beads are applied using the tambooring or tambour embroidery technique.
Color & Pattern
Ivory / Cream monotone. The pattern features a dense, repeating floral or petal-like motif created through varying the direction and density of the beadwork to create textural depth.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone brass frame and snake chain handle. The kiss-lock closure is embellished with a clustered bead top to match the bag's body. The plating appears to be a light gold finish common in mid-century cocktail accessories.
Interior Description
Likely lined in matching cream satin or silk with a single small slip pocket for a mirror or lipstick. Branding would usually be a sewn-in fabric label reading 'Hand Made in India'.
Closure Type
Decorative kiss-lock / Snap-top frame closure, providing moderate security for evening essentials.
Strap & Handle Details
Single gold-tone metal snake chain. This type of handle is flexible, durable, and designed to drape elegantly over the wrist or be held by hand.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior bead density with tight, consistent tension. The floral pattern is symmetrical and the edge joinery where the fabric meets the metal frame is clean and tucked without visible glue or frayed threads.
Authentication Indicators
The weight of the bag (beaded bags are surprisingly heavy), the tightness of the bead paths, the hand-sewn lining, and the 'Made in India' label (if present) are standard for authentic vintage pieces of this type.
Origin & Manufacturing
India. Proudly manufactured in traditional artisanal centers (likely Mumbai or Delhi) known for intricate embroidery and beadwork standards that exceeded mass-market production.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / 1950s-1960s. This was the 'Golden Age' of imported Indian beadwork when these bags were essential accessories for formal Western evening wear.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the style of the snake chain, the specific size of the micro-beads, and the frame construction.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of Eastern craft and Western fashion silhouettes. These bags were a staple of the 'Global Jet Set' and are now highly prized by vintage bridal collectors for their 'something old' appeal.
Condition Notes
Exterior: Good vintage condition. There appear to be no major bead losses, though some slight yellowing is common with age. Hardware: The chain and frame show minor oxidation. Structure: Excellent shape retention. Overall: Very Good Vintage.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD depending on the interior cleanliness and the presence of the original matching coin purse or mirror. Value increases if sold through a curated vintage bridal boutique.
Care & Maintenance
Never hang by the chain for long periods as it can stretch the frame. Store flat in a soft cotton dust bag. If a bead comes loose, use a tiny dab of clear fabric glue or a single thread to secure immediately to prevent a 'run'.
Similar Handbags
Vintage Walborg beaded bags (often made in Belgium or West Germany), Josef beaded bags (France), or Lumured (USA). European versions often used larger beads or sequins.
Interesting Facts
During the 1950s and 60s, many European couture houses outsourced their complex embellishments to Indian workshops because the quality of hand-beading there was considered the finest in the world.
Notes
India