Evening bag

Shirley Bierman (American, 1923–2010)

American

early 21st century

Object Place: United States

Medium/Technique Emu egg, glass beads, glass stones (Swarovsky crystals) pink sapphire, morganite, emerald, pink tourmaline, tanzanite, amethyst, gold-plated metal, glass mirror, velvet lining, metallic cord trim

Dimensions Height x width: 5 x 6 in., 15 cm (12.7 x 15.2 cm, 5 7/8 in.)

Credit Line Gift of Dr. Edward and Shirley M. Bierman

Accession Number2008.1331

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsContemporary Art, Americas, Fashion and Textiles

ClassificationsCostumes

DescriptionWhite egg-shaped evening bag made from an emu egg shell, covered in white glass beads with a wisteria design in metal wire and gemstones, bordered with glass aurora borealis stones (Swarovsky crystals) in metal settings. Interior is lined in light pink velvet and gold braid trim with a mirror on the inside of the lid. Gold-plated metal frame and chain, metal and Swarovsky crystal feet; transparent label on mirror inside lid: "Shirley Bierman".

ProvenanceUntil 2008, collection of artist and donor Shirley M. Bierman, Rancho Mirage, CA; Gift of Bierman and her husband Edward to the MFA (November 19, 2008)