Scissors case

French

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]

Scissors case, Steel, French

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.