Cream Shell Beaded Reticule with Tassels

Victorian Early / Crinoline · 1860s · American

A delicate beaded reticule constructed entirely of small cream-colored shell beads in a tight mesh pattern. The bag features a fan-shaped body with geometric beadwork creating a diamond lattice design. Multiple silk tassels hang from the bottom edge and corners, while beaded drawstrings with ring closures allow the bag to be carried or worn. The construction demonstrates fine Victorian beadwork techniques, with each tiny shell bead individually strung to create the flexible mesh structure typical of mid-19th century formal accessories.