Beaded Handbag 1935 - 1942

Ferdinand Badin crafted this beaded handbag, a testament to the decorative arts that thrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Badin, born in 1855, was working during an era defined by its intricate craftsmanship and the rise of consumer culture. This is a piece of material culture that speaks volumes about gender and class. Beaded handbags were a staple accessory for women of the middle and upper classes, symbolizing refinement and status. The delicate beadwork and floral motifs reflect ideals of femininity, but these objects also hint at a woman’s limited role outside the domestic sphere. "The woman is generally occupied by that sort of work," Badin might suggest. The bag, with its blend of utility and adornment, embodies the complexities of identity. These are objects of beauty but also quiet markers of social standing. They stand as silent yet powerful witnesses to the intricate dance of gender, class, and personal expression.