>Crown Purse

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I still have some more beadwork to show you before I get back to my regularly scheduled blog... Like this beautiful antique beaded coin purse I also found in Prague:

(front)

I found this at the shop right next door to the one where I found my beaded handbag! And, to think - I almost didn't go into this shop... I'm glad I did! This little coin purse measures 3.25" in diameter and it is most definitely either bead-knitted or crocheted. I assume this piece was also created in the mid-late 1800's. The seed beads used are size 18/o. The front is a rose pattern, and the back is a leaf pattern. I cannot see any missing beads. Also, the metal frame still works properly, and the purse is lined with leather. I have seen beaded coin purses like this before on ebay, and I have always wanted to own one. This would be the perfect place to keep the crowns I didn't spend:)

(back)

After finding these two examples of antique beadwork in one day, I was very happy with my search for all things beaded in the Czech Republic. It is nice to own a little piece of beaded history! I continued to look in other shops for similar items, but was never successful. Timing is everything when it comes to antique shopping...