Antique Hussif, 1825, Portable Sewing Kit Holder

George IV, dated 1825. 22ins high, 4.3ins wide, 0.4ins deep. Georgian Hussif Portable Sewing Kit Holder.

The term housewife first appeared in the mid-18th century to describe these compact, portable sewing kits. Over time the spelling evolved through several variants — huswife, hussive — settling most commonly as hussif.

This fine example is worked in silk on linen, in a rich palette of red, gold, blue, silver, pink, black and brown.

The front features five pockets, each fronted by an individual embroidered panel depicting: birds in a fruit tree;

flowers;

a heart;

birds amongst flowers;

and a potted flowering plant.

The lower panel adds birds and flowers alongside the date 1825.

The reverse is covered in silk, finely printed with flowers, leaves and circular motifs.

A loop handle is stitched to the top.

CONDITION: Good. Some wear to the silk borders.

Possible re-stitching to the border on the reverse top.

Age related fading to some of the colours.

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