Vintage Hong Kong Beaded Evening Bag (Basket Weave Pattern)
Top Handle Evening Bag / Frame Bag · Unbranded/Artisan (Mid-Century Hong Kong Export Tier)
Collection: Vintage Hong Kong Hand-Beaded Export Line (1950s-1960s)
Style
Top Handle Evening Bag / Frame Bag
Brand
Unbranded/Artisan (Mid-Century Hong Kong Export Tier)
Material
Hand-strung seed beads on a silk or satin fabric base; hand-applied basket-weave pattern; internal stiffener for structural integrity.
Dimensions
Width: 22cm (8.5"), Height: 15cm (6"), Depth: 3cm (1.2"), Strap Drop: 10cm (4").
Description
A classic example of Mid-Century evening wear, this hand-beaded bag features a complex basket-weave motif using thousands of tiny seed beads. These bags were the height of accessory fashion for cocktail parties and formal events in the 1960s, representing high-quality craftsmanship at an accessible price point for the growing middle class.
Key Features
Uniformity of the basket weave beadwork; double seed-beaded handles; characteristic Hong Kong kiss-lock frame.
Material & Construction
Hand-strung seed beads on a silk or satin fabric base; hand-applied basket-weave pattern; internal stiffener for structural integrity.
Color & Pattern
Cream/Ivory with a multi-directional lattice or 'basket weave' beaded pattern.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone brass frame; double ball-kiss lock clasp; D-ring handle attachments.
Interior Description
Cream satin lining; typically one small interior slip pocket; 'Hand Made in Hong Kong' woven label.
Closure Type
Kiss-lock/Snap frame closure.
Strap & Handle Details
Dual beaded top handles; flexible core with beads strung tightly around it; fixed to frame via metal rings.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent seed bead alignment; precision in the geometric pattern; hand-turned fabric edges inside the frame.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a 'Made in Hong Kong' tag (common for the user's location) and the specific weight of the glass vs. plastic beads; hand-stitching on the interior lining to the frame.
Origin & Manufacturing
Hong Kong; produced in ateliers specializing in needlework and beadwork for the Western export market.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s to Mid-1960s); High Cocktail Era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1965.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII boom in global trade and the 'Cocktail Culture' of the 1950s/60s where matching accessories were a social requirement.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition; slight patina on gold hardware; beadwork appears intact with no significant loss or loose threads visible.
Value Estimate
$45 - $85 USD depending on missing beads and interior cleanliness.
Care & Maintenance
Store flat in a dust bag to prevent handle stretching; do not hang; use a soft toothbrush for dry cleaning; keep away from moisture to prevent frame oxidation.
Similar Handbags
Corde Bead bags, Lumured (beaded plastics), or high-end French beaded bags by designers like Walborg.
Interesting Facts
During the mid-20th century, Hong Kong was the world's leading producer of beaded garments and accessories, employing thousands of skilled artisans.
Notes
Hong Kong