Never before has a book examined the intimate link between the fine art of purse making and the fashion history of purses - until now. The volume expands upon recognizing purses as art, the delicate art of purse making, architecture as inspiration, the manufacture of mesh, a look at fabric, rare and unusual pieces, vanity bags and compact purses, frames, and works of celluloid. The book traces the transformation of fine art masterpieces into vintage beaded and petit point purses identifying those taken from the paintings of Raphael, Millet, and Fragonard, among others. Along with detailed photographs, there are vintage advertisements and catalogs, original design sketches, purse-making instructions, and rare assembly photographs, which provide fascinating peeks behind the production scene. 2004 values.