Skip to content

19th Century Bone Carved Sewing Kit with Thimble

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

19th century

This decorative 19th-century sewing kit is crafted from bone, reflecting the period's tradition of delicate utilitarian carving. The item is shaped like a gourd or pear, measuring 6.5 cm in height, and is designed with a functional screw cap.

The exterior of the bone case features intricate ornamental perforation and finely executed carved details. These decorative motifs include stylized floral or radial patterns and linear textures, showcasing the craftsmanship typical of European bone work from the nineteenth century. While the listing identifies the item as a sewing kit that includes a thimble, the primary visual feature is the small, vessel-like container used to store sewing implements.

The material exhibits a natural, aged patina consistent with nineteenth-century bone objects. The construction demonstrates precise skill in both the lathe work required for the screw mechanism and the delicate fretwork or pierce-carving that adorns the exterior body of the container. This piece serves as both a practical household object and a specimen of decorative folk art from the era.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
1
Photograph views
1
Catalogue references
0

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Physical characteristics

Height
6.5 cm
Material
bone

Design

Ornamentation
ornamental perforation, gourd-shape, carved floral motifs

Identification

Source note
Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.