Maritime-theme pincushion with tintype and hand carved ivory towers. American. Circa 1875
Merchant seamen were away from their families for long periods of time, which meant their wives and children needed methods of maintaining a meaningful connection. Photographic representation afforded unprecedented opportunities in this regard. This remarkable object, with its hand-carved ivory components, includes a large darning or embroidery needle, which is stored inside the tower. The two round carvings surrounding it have red velvet pincushions on top.
