Souvenir of Dinan tobacco pouch
Accessories
Inventory number
2021.12.6.17.AC.BG.C1860.FRDescription
Cube shaped purse for tobacco in green and pink silk taffeta with four embroidered sides, each depicting: a peasant woman holding a basket; a peasant man with a pipe - both dressed in traditional Brittany region costumes; a coat of arms of the city Dinan with a castle kept by three turrets of gold on red background, surmounted with black ermine on white and an earl crown; and a stylized basket of flowers. The bag is lined inside with thin white pelikan skin leather, closes on the top with a brown rope, and is adorned on the bottom with a multicolour silk tassel.Tobacco consumption in France began in the 16th century, during the spread of its culture in Europe and Asia. The leaves were then used fresh (wet and rolled then inserted into the nose). To preserve them, the skin of the pelican was preferred to any other material, first used by Northen sailors, becoming further a luxury item that was embroidered or painted.
Materials
SilkPelican skin
Embroidery thread
Origin
circa 1860 Dinan, FranceDimensions
Width : 10 cmLength : 10 cm
Height : 11 cm