Museum

Jane Salfati Purse

Jane Salfati purses date primarily to the 1920s - 1930s.  She was a highly sought-after French Art Deco designer based in Paris.  Her antique evening bags are well-known for their ornate craftsmanship, often incorporating 17th and 18th century Persian silks, rich brocades, and elaborate beaded details.  It appears that Salfati acted almost like an art director: she combined brocades, Chinese-carved jade, coral, lapis lazuli, carnelian, marcasites, enamels, and silver/gilt metal frames.  

 Most Paris handbag makers bought contemporary silks.  Salfati instead seems to have been buying antique textiles, cutting them apart, and giving them new life. 

From Stacy: The frames were all made by the same Atelier.  Because of the variety of designer's names in the purses,  it's likely frames were purchased (from France) by other countries and then bags were attached.  In some cases bags have deteriorated and been replaced.  

Suede body, silver frame with black enamel, marcasites, and onyx clasp. 

From the collection of Stacie Hornell-Mason.

Details

Date: 1927-1935

Materials: Suede, Enamel, Onyx, Marcasites

Provenance: France

Designer/Maker:  Jane Salfati

Markings: Jane Salfati

Dimensions: Unknown

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Submit your purse

We are always looking for more purses to add to the museum. From vintage to antique purses, you can submit them all using this online form.