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

This unusual disc style pin cushion is carved of ivory in the form of a little building. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to represent an actual building. It’s especially cute as it has an ivory flag at the top that’s tied with ribbon streamers. Both sides have a pierced design representing the building’s door and windows and it has a lovely old patina and ivory grain pattern. Blue paper underlining shows through the carving and a blue silk ribbon forms the cushion around the sides. It is all original and the cushion is intact. The condition of the ivory is excellent with no chips or loss. 

It dates to the early 19th century and measures 2″ long x 3/8″ wide x 1 3/8″ high. Some pincushions in this style are shown on p. 143 of Gay Ann Rogers’ book “The Illustrated History of Needlework Tools”.