Antique Micro Beaded Reticule w Scenes of Venice, Gondola, Colorful Houses

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Antique Micro Beaded Reticule w Scenes of Venice, Gondola, Colorful Houses:
$250.00

This offering is for a beautifully preserved circa 1850 - 1880 micro beaded reticule definitely marketed for tourists visiting Venice. This very special type of gondola, with its compartment for tourists and manned by two gondoliers, dates the piece from the 1850’s to 1880. The black beaded words “RICORDO DI VENEZIA” translates to “REMEMBERING VENICE.” Wealthy tourists on the “Grand Tour of Europe” flocked to Venice as a “must visit” destination. Often newly married couples of substantial wealth honeymooned in Venice. Being a romantic, I like to think that this exquisite purse was purchased for a bride enjoying Venice with her new husband. If purses could only “talk.” The side with the gondola features a Greek Key design at the top, an identical, but larger, design on the lower quarter of the purse, with individual turquoise bead accents. The gondola is very striking in its detail, as is the canal’s water represented by iridescent green micro beads. The other side is vibrant and beautiful. It represents the countryside, complete with colored houses, a church steeple, lush green grass and a large tree. The Greek Key designs and turquoise beads match the design on the other side of the reticule. The fringe appears to be all original, with 4-5 missing strands. The cord straps, covered by clear beads, are completely intact and sturdy. I am unable to find any missing beads on the straps or either side of the piece, except for the fringe already mentioned. Nor, is there any evidence of even the slightest repair present. There are no stains present on the outside or inside portions of the reticule. The original interior is made of soft antique muslin cloth. It is clean and intact with no damage or repairs found. An interior pocket is not present. MEASUREMENTS: the body of the reticule, at its widest portion, is 7 1/8”; it tapers to the width at the top of 5”; the body is 6 1/4” long, not counting the fringe which adds 1 1/2”; the straps have a drop of 4”, for a total length of 11 3/4”. Simply gorgeous and of historical significance, this treasure will make a superb addition for a collection or for a single object of art. As always, this offering is fully guaranteed to meet your expectations.