Vintage Southeast Asian Repoussé Silver Evening Purse
Decorative Object / Personal Accessory (Evening Bag/Miniaudère) · Indo-Thai or South Asian Workshop; typically unsigned or bearing local workshop marks (e.g., 'T.90' or 'Sterling') common in Thailand, Bali, or India.
Pattern: Traditional Floral Foliate Repoussé Pattern; widely produced for the tourist and export markets in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Type
Decorative Object / Personal Accessory (Evening Bag/Miniaudère)
Maker
Indo-Thai or South Asian Workshop; typically unsigned or bearing local workshop marks (e.g., 'T.90' or 'Sterling') common in Thailand, Bali, or India.
Material
Likely high-grade silver (ranging from 800 to 925 Sterling), though many export examples are silver-plated brass or 'white metal'. Requires acid or XRF testing.
Dimensions
Estimated 15-18cm width, 10-12cm height (excluding handle). Estimated weight: 250-400 grams depending on whether the body is hollow or velvet-lined.
Description
An ornate silver evening purse featuring dense, overall repoussé work. The surface is a lush garden of scrolled vines and blooming flowers, showcasing the 'horror vacui' aesthetic typical of Eastern silver. The bag is structured with a hard shell and a secure heart-shaped locking mechanism, combining traditional artisan skill with functional fashion.
Key Features
Heart-shaped clasp detail, high-relief hammered floral texture, and rigid top handle which distinguishes it from softer-mesh silver bags.
Material & Composition
Likely high-grade silver (ranging from 800 to 925 Sterling), though many export examples are silver-plated brass or 'white metal'. Requires acid or XRF testing.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing featuring scrolling lotus or acanthus vines and floral rosettes. Oxidized recesses to emphasize depth against a bright-polished surface.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in image; usually found on the interior rim or the base of the strap attachment. May include fineness marks like '925' or 'STG'.
Construction Details
Hand-hammered (repoussé) from a sheet of silver. The body is formed from two main shells joined with a hinge and featuring a box-jointed clasp.
Functional Features
Hinged top flap, mechanical tension clasp with heart-shaped escutcheon, and a rigid, semi-circular swinging handle.
Handle & Grip Details
Rigid tubular silver handle, likely hollow-formed, attached to the body via two pin-and-loop swivel mounts for ease of carrying.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-chasing. The artisan has effectively used texture-tinting (different types of punches) to create a contrast between the petals and the background scrolls.
Authentication Indicators
Slight irregularities in the floral symmetry indicate hand-tooling rather than machine-stamped production. Consistent patina in recessed areas.
Origin & Manufacturing
Southeast Asia, likely Thailand (Chiang Mai) or India. These regions have centuries-old traditions of 'Cutch' or 'Thai-style' repoussé work.
Era & Period
Modern/Late 20th Century (Circa 1960-1990); a revival of traditional South Asian metalworking styles for the international fashion market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1980. The brightness of the silver and the uniformity of the clasp indicate a mid-to-late 20th-century production date.
Cultural Significance
A representation of the adaptation of traditional religious and royal metalworking techniques (used for bowls and altarpieces) into portable luxury goods for global trade.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the repoussé remains crisp without significant flattening. Light surface tarnish in the crevices. Clasp appears functional and handle pinions are intact.
Value Estimate
USD $150–$350 if solid sterling; USD $40–$80 if silver-plated. Value is driven primarily by silver weight and the intricacy of the hand-hammering.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft horsehair brush and warm soapy water to remove dust; polish lightly with a silver cloth. Avoid chemical dips which will remove the desirable black oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Victorian Chatelaine bags (usually smaller/mesh), 19th-century Cutch silver card cases (similar texture but flatter), or contemporary Thai 'hill tribe' silver jewelry.
Interesting Facts
These bags were popularized in the West during the 1960s and 70s as 'hippie chic' or 'bohemian' luxury accessories, imported primarily from Thai and Indian silversmiths.