Sachet van geel fluweel op de voorzijde beschilderd met een toef anjertakken, gevoerd met doorgestikte gele zijde romdom afgezet met getwijnd geel zijden koord c. 1910

This sachet was made in the early 20th century by Adriana Diderika van Houweninge. The rectangular pouch is crafted from yellow velvet, adorned with a delicate spray of painted carnations. Van Houweninge lived during a period of significant social change, including evolving roles for women. As a woman artist working at the turn of the century, when the domestic sphere was still a central concept in many women's lives, it is interesting to see the meeting of domestic craft and fine art. While women have often been associated with domestic crafts, such as embroidery and needlepoint, Van Houweninge elevates this tradition through her artistic skill. There's a tension here between the functional aspect of the sachet and the decorative quality of the floral design. The carnations add a personal touch, perhaps reflecting the artist's own connection to nature, or acting as a symbolic language through which to express her creativity and individuality within the confines of societal expectations. Ultimately, this sachet is a poignant reminder of the intricate ways in which women artists have historically navigated the intersection of art, craft, and identity.