Black floral brocade handbag

Unidentified · 1950s - 1980s

A large, rectangular black brocade handbag with an allover floral motif. The body of the handbag is made from one continuous panel of fabric for the front and back. The fabric features a black brocade ground, with yellow, red, and green floral motifs made from synthetic two-ply yarns. Both the front and back of the purse sides are backed with a layer of stiffener (likely carboard). A black handle, made from two layers of synthetic leather are machine sewn together and attached to the top of the handbag with metal brass hardware. The purse closes with a hinged frame, (likely metal) that is covered in a thin layer of black synthetic leather. A central brass metal closure at top center of the frame, latches the purse closed. A single panel of black synthetic decorative leather is machine stitched to the top front of the handbag, under the frame. Both side gussets are made from one panel of black brocade floral fabric. The interior of the purse is lined with black synthetic faille and the construction of the lining mirrors that of the outside of the purse. There is a plain pocket made from one panel of synthetic silk faille machine stitched to the interior front. A 2-in-1 pocket made from one panel of the same material is machine stitched to the back and features a metal zipper and teeth. The zipper pull reads TRIO on the front and back. There is no brand label.