Burse c. 19th century

This Burse was crafted anonymously with exquisite skill, using red velvet, metallic threads, and seed pearls. A burse is a case used to carry the corporal, a linen cloth upon which the eucharist is consecrated. In its materiality and making, it reflects the sacred purpose it serves. The velvet provides a rich, tactile ground, while the metallic threads and seed pearls elevate the work with luminous detail. These materials aren't just decorative; they speak to the value placed on religious objects, often made with meticulous care and costly materials. Embroidery, like weaving, has historically been a means of artistic expression accessible to women of different social classes. The labor-intensive process required both technical skill and devout patience, transforming simple materials into objects of beauty and spiritual significance. By considering the materials, making, and social context of this burse, we gain a deeper understanding of its meaning, blurring the boundaries between fine art, craft, and devotion.