Antique Figural Ivory Fretwork Bellows Pin Cushion * English * Circa 1820

This lacy disc style pin cushion is carved of ivory in the form of a set of bellows. Both sides have a pierced design and it has a lovely old patina and ivory grain pattern. Blue paper underlining shows through the carving and faded blue silk ribbon forms the cushion around the sides. It is all original and the condition is excellent with no chips or loss. The cushion has a couple of small tears but is mostly intact with some old pins.

It dates to the early 19th century and measures 2 5/8″ by 1″. Some pincushions in this style are shown on p. 143 of Gay Ann Rogers’ book “The Illustrated History of Needlework Tools”.