Work Bag
Place MadePossibly Matawan, New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSilk, llinen
Dimensions10.5 × 7.5 in. (26.7 × 19.1 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Louis J. Rice, 1969
Object numberT1976.69
DescriptionA woman's work bag, constructed of irridescent silk taffeta in emerald green and pink, sewn along the left, right, and bottom edges to form a rectangle. The bag includes a drawstring top closure, with a pair of narrow woven silk ribbons. The entire bag is lined with lightweight light brown finely woven linen.Curatorial RemarksA majority of women had workbags as part of their daily accessories. Usually rectangular, made out of whatever fabric was available, workbags were handy storage and carrying containers for smaller needlework and sewing projects. Most surviving workbags seem to have been made as rectangles. Silk was the most popular choice, and a good way to make use of colorful scraps. Workbags were also usually lined, either with matching or contrasting silk or with linen. Drawstrings, either single or double, made it easy to carry the bag over one's arm and allowed quick access to the items within. Women and girls could carry their workbags when visiting friends and neighbors, and was a practical way to keep materials and supplies together and handy. Examples of embroidered workbags survive, some dating to the 17th century. The shape of the bag providing an excellent background for attractive embroidered patterns. Some very elegant workbags were also trimmed with metallic lace, silk ribbons, and beading.NotesThis simple silk work bag was donated to the Association by Louis Rice, who noted that he believed it to have been used by his grandmother Mary Clayton Smith Rice (1830 - 1905). An inspection of the bag indicates that the bag may date even earlier, and may have been made and used by Mary Clayton Smith's mother, Rebecca Clayton Smith (1796 - before 1877). Many of the Clayton, Smith, and Rice family members lived in and around Matawan (known as Middletown Point in the 18th century). Rebecca's husband, Thomas Smith (circa 1796 - 1877) served as Matawan's town constable for at least twenty years before his death in 1877. Both Thomas and Rebecca were members of Old Tennent Church and both were interred there after their deaths. Mary Clayton Smith married Lewis C. Rice. Both Mary and Lewis were teachers.
