Scissors case

17th century

Not on view

Like another scissors case in the Museum's permanent collection (see 2014.737.1), this object illustrates a rite of passage for women—in this case engagement and marriage. While this example does not include the more elaborate imagery and inscription, it is nonetheless representative of the modest, carefully designed objects that were part of everyday life in the seventeenth century. The small hearts imbedded in the scrolls and tendrils in the bottom compartment allude to the social tradition of giving scissors cases to women upon engagement or marriage. The cord on this object is modern, but in original use the case may have been hung or worn on the body from a belt.

[Ellenor M. Alcorn, 2014]

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Scissors case
Date: 17th century
Culture: French
Medium: Steel
Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 3 × 2 1/8 × 3/16 in. (7.6 × 5.4 × 0.5 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Steel
Credit Line: Gift of Joseph G. Reinis, 2014
Object Number: 2014.737.3
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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