Suki Wooden Box Bag with Asian Design

Woven Box Bag with Asian Motif. 1950s. Maker: Handbags by Suki, Miami, FLA. Black and silver metallic woven oval box bag with a black Lucite top. The top has a painted Asian/Oriental design that resembles a stylized geisha with a large fan. Also has glued-on rhinestones. Closes with a Lucite latch. Lined in pink fabric.

I have always wanted a Suki bag, but the workmanship and rarity makes them somewhat cost prohibitive. Then this one came up, priced very reasonably. It does have some damage to the design and missing rhinestones, but, hey, nobody’s perfect!

Jolles Velvet Flower Pot Handbag

Velvet Flower Pot Handbag. 1960s. Maker: Jolles Original. Wonderful, large, heavy black velvet-covered purse with three-dimensional design of red velvet flowers, green velvet leaves and a flower pot covered in shiny, multi-colored seed beads. Also has large clear rhinestones on the pot and red rhinestones in the center of each flower. Heavy black plastic handle. Lined in black felt. One zip interior pocket and one non-zip pocket.

Jolles is one of my favorite makers. I love the whimsy of the designs! This bag, alas, has some major separation issues (well, who doesn’t?) and needs professional repair. One of these days, I’m going to have to gather all my injured purses and take them to someone who can fix them up. If you live in the East Ventura County/San Fernando Valley area, and know someone with major skills and magic—plus reasonable pricing, please email me: info(at)vintagepursegallery(dot)com.