Chatelaine met schaar, naaldenkoker en vingerhoedhuisje 1780

David de Put crafted this silver chatelaine, complete with scissors, a needle case, and a thimble holder, in the early 18th century. It is a fascinating object, laden with symbols of domesticity and feminine virtue. Notice the scissors, a tool for cutting and shaping, not unlike the Fates who, in classical mythology, controlled the thread of life. These tools, often associated with women, suggest not merely practical tasks, but also a subtle power to alter and refine. The needle case and thimble, emblems of domestic care, remind us of the countless hours dedicated to mending and maintaining the social fabric. Such objects echo across time, their forms evolving yet their essence remaining. Think of the ancient spindle, a symbol of female labor and destiny, transformed into the tools of a modern household. The chatelaine is more than a mere accessory; it is a potent reminder of the enduring human need to create, to nurture, and to shape our world.