This listing is for one purse. The other clutches and the zari booklet shown in the final photos may still be for sale in my ebay store or on Ama*on. Vintage 8"x5" MM KANE PEACOCK True Zari Clutch Sterling Silver Gilt Thread India Zardozi Type:
True Zari (sterling silver and/or silver vermeil thread) Purse Type:
Evening Bag or Clutch (sometimes called an Envelope) Age:
Made in India
circa 1945 - 1965 Cloth Label, Stamp,
or Labeled Snap: MM Kane on snap Number of Pockets: 3 Size (length
across the top edge): 8
inches Design and Condition
Notes: The zari embroidery features a gorgeous peacock. So romantic! These birds are the national bird of India and, of course, beloved worldwide. There is a loss of a few zari stitches in the lower left corner (see photos). Otherwise, this is a great zari clutch from a top-notch zari maker, MM Kane. Care and Repair: Try to keep the clutch out of constant air circulation to keep the sterling silver gilt thread from toning darker over time. If a metallic stitch comes loose, you can tack it down with any thread that is the color of the background, i.e., black thread for black velvet. Just use one or two whip stitches to tack down the loose thread. Spot clean interior silk with a cotton cloth and warm water. Are you looking for the Zari Buying Guide link? Since seller-written Buying Guides have been discontinued by eBay, I have expanded mine, added new photos, and moved them to Amaz*n and Kindl*. You can find them by typing the phrase “Buying Guide Zari” in any Amaz*n search box. Below is a Table of Contents for this Buying Guide and info about the series. "Silver and Gold Threads: The Ornate Zardozi or Zari Purse, Clutch, and Accessories Buying Guide" was written to help the collectors of zari embroidered handbags and accessories from India to better understand the background of this fascinating collecting field, to learn about some of the most popular types and manufacturers of zari-embellished items, and find resources for purchase, with photos throughout. This guide will also help you to price any zari you already own. So precious is this embroidery, you can even buy upcycled frame-able antique zari samplers to display as art. The Buying Guide will tell you where to find them. This series of booklets, Buying Guides for International Collectables, celebrates folk art and collectable items from around the world, including some that are not well-known but that are affordable and fascinating. Ceramics, wood carvings, semi-precious gemstones, embroidery, sculpture, and sterling silver figurines are just some of the areas explored. Let’s feast our eyes on the traditional arts and crafts of India, Mexico, Russia, Ghana, USA, Japan, and many other nations. TABLE OF CONTENTS: · Definition. · When was my handbag or clutch made and what is it worth? · Peacocks! · Accessories. · Where Can I Buy Zari Clutches and Accessories? · What Do Collectors Need to Know About the Labels and Original Boxes? · Glossary: What Is Zari? Toning? Vermeil? · Care, Repair, And Display. · What Is the History of Zari In India? · Summary: Zari In American Culture and Fashion History. Excerpt from the "Silver and Gold Threads: The Ornate Zardozi or Zari Purse, Clutch, and Accessories Buying Guide": “True zari (or zardozi) evening bags and accessories made with solid sterling silver wire thread and real gold vermeil wire thread were made in India for export from the late 1800s up until the mid 1960s. They were often embroidered on genuine silk, silk satin, and silk velvet and sometimes further embellished with colorful silk thread embroidery and genuine polished or faceted gemstone cabochons. Since the mid 1960s, much has changed due to the increasing costs of labor, silver, silk and gems. Modern zari bags and accessories are made with thread that is silver plated and gold plated or metal colored . Modern zari can be very beautiful and collectible but it is typically smaller, has less embroidery, is sewn on to rayon, polyester and cotton blends instead of silk, and the beads, if any, are colored glass. So how can you tell the true zari from the modern zari ? Armed with the information in this Buying Guide, you can tell the difference. Over time, the shape, size, straps, materials, and designs evolved in such a way . .. …..Many nations and cultures have their own traditional type of goldwork embroidery but none is more breathtaking than the zari of India. No other type of goldwork has had such an impact on the fashion history of the world and no other type incorporates real silver and gold, semi-precious gems, the finest silk, satin and velvet, and colorful silk threads…. …Many very high quality bags never had a tag, especially those made after WWII. While tags are great, it is the overall quality of materials and design and the condition that matters most in determining value… A few of the better names and the ones that make the hearts of collectors beat a little faster include: Ganeshi Lall, Gem Palace, Indian Art Emporium, Indian Textile Company, Ivory Mart, Ivory Palace, Jagat Narain, MM Kane, Kasliwal, Ramnath, Schildkraut, Starlite, and Sudha. These usually come with labels sewn in, with the exception of the “Kanes.” They are identified by the snap closure. Around the circular edge of the concave side of the metal snap, you can see the wording “M.M. Kane.” Of course, with a little practice, a collector can spot a high-quality Kane instantly. The Kane zari florals have large 3D flowers and leaves standing high up on the surface embellished with brightly colored silk threads and, often, large polished gems in the flower centers. Some Kanes were even embellished with faceted gemstones! Rarely, you can find a Kane peacock. “Made in India” is a common but not universal label. A great tag to see is the famous wording: “Made of genuine silver and gold thread.” This and similar wording are one mark of a truly high-quality purse.” End of excerpt. My Seller FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Allergy Note: All lots come from a smoke free and cat free home but pre-owned items may have originated in different conditions. About Discounted Shipping: USA shipping only. I am happy to discount shipping within 48 hours of the first purchase if you request a discounted invoice after your last auction concludes but before payment is sent. Large fragile items are not usually subject to this option because they often have to ship in separate boxes. Shipping and Return Policy: I can only ship to your official eBay address and I do not ship on Friday and Saturday or during dangerous weather conditions. If you pay for an item any time from Thursday to Sunday, it will ship on Monday. If you pay for an item anytime between Monday and Wednesday, it will ship on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Please bear this in mind, as well as the post office transit time estimates, when looking at arrival dates. Shipping includes a tracking number. In over 20 years, my return policy has not changed. All sales are final - no returns or refunds unless there is a question of authenticity or a gross error in the description. If anything you buy from me is not as described and photographed, you are entitled to a full refund of your purchase price after the item is returned. I do not typically offer partial refunds. 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