1909 Euphemia Ritchie of Iona Leather Handbag

A very unusual survival. Very few examples of leatherwork by the Ritchies of Iona exist today. Museum quality and extremely hard to find.

The leather purse shown on page 44 of 'Iona Celtic Art, The Work of Alexander and Euphemia Ritchie' shows similar construction around the edges.

The incredibly detailed embossed image may be based on an illustration by Joseph Aderson in 'Scotland in Early Christian Times (1881), a copy of which is in the Ritchie library on Iona.

Provenance- I bought this from a collector of Ritchie and arts and crafts pieces who was disposing of his collection and retiring abroad.

"David, I purchased the bag and an Alexander Ritchie brooch from the same woman about 30 years ago. She was the grand-daughter of the woman who had originally purchased them both as presents for her best friend's wedding in 1909. Unfortunately - the brooch has long been sold. Hope this helps: Good provenance - which is why I purchased them both in the first place - for my own collection"

Condition- remarkable for its age and clearly stored very carefully. Some marks to exterior. Metal clasps show surface wear but still click together well. Interior leather still soft and pliable in all 5 interior compartments.

230mm by 175mm.