May 31, 2008-March 8, 2009

Though beaded purses were fashionable through the 19th and early 20th centuries, they became extremely popular in the 1920s as an integral part of the flapper-era costumes, greatly complementing the period’s beaded evening dresses. A wide variety of patterns were depicted on these bags, including flowers, landscapes and other popular motifs. However, some of the most fashionable designs were copied from the patterns of Persian, Turkish, Caucasian, Turkmen and Indian carpets and textiles. In this exhibition, beaded bags will be displayed alongside rugs with similar patterns. This juxtaposition will explore the motifs common to rugs and provide a closer look at "Orientalism," and examine the influences of Eastern art on Western art and fashion. The beaded purses are from the Stella and Fredrick Krieger Collection. The rugs are drawn from IMA’s permanent collection augmented by a few loans from private local collections.