Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Risque Purse...

Today I would like to share some photos of a recent purchase. I bought this little bag because I had never seen a purse that featured, well, naked women. !?!?!

To be honest, I was a little stunned when I found it. True, they are only unclothed from the waist up, but STILL. And what is the deal with the fully clothed man with the vase and pipe? Is that a hookah?

And why the blue birds? It got me thinking: would I have bought this bag and carried it around? What is the story behind this bag? The label on the interior of this bag reads "Asfar & Sarkis Finest Brocades in the World Damascus (Syria)."

I am a member of the Antique Purse Collector's Society and posted a question on their bulletin board trying to gain some information on this maker. Several people requested pictures, so I decided to do a blog post. If any of you all are purse collectors, I encourage you to visit the website and request more information. It is incredibly informative and helpful and full of friendly members...several of whom have written books on purses! Enjoy, and let me know if you have any info!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's interesting to me how it is sociologically acceptable for a lady to carry around a bag with nude women on it, as long as the women are from another country and an era from the past. Although, I must admit, I have never seen a bag with nude women on it. :) Can you imagine if a brand new American bag was created today featuring topless American women of today? It would look so trashy. I imagine it would be made of cheap vinyl.

Actually, now that I think about it, I do have a bag that my mom gave to me that's shaped like a pink bustier, although it doesn't reveal anything.

I love the shape of your bag, it's handle, and the clasp. Really one could wear that out and about for quite some time before someone would stop them and say, "Hey! Those are topless ladies on your bag!" :-)

~Mary

Jenny said...

Very fun!! Did you get it locally?? How old do you think it is?? It was fun seeing you this weekend!!

Love Those Slots ! said...

That's a really unique purse. I've never seen one like that either and I've seen a lot of vintage purses.

Stacey said...

Funky- I don't know if I could actually use it but def a good piece for your collection. By the way, that gold Whiting and Davis of yours on Rubylane may have to come home with me soon... Yummy!

Anonymous said...

How wonderfully unique! That truly is quite a find. I would love to know that little bags past.... :)

Unknown said...

Just found an "Asfar & Sarkis" jacket which I currently am listing on ebay. It featres the less dainty subject of lions attacking game! : )

Love the purse, btw.