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FYI SOUTH Magazine, February 2003. VOL.3 ISSUE 2

Purses and Bags: From the East to the West
Kaohsiung Museum of History

272, JungJeng 4th Road. YenCheng, Kaohsiung
(07) 531-2560
Hours: 9am - 5pm; Closed Mondays

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       A special display of hand-stitched pouches at Kaohsiung's Museum of History proves the old adage that GREAT things come in SMALL packages. The collection, on display until March 23, 2003, presents accessories of traditional China--sachet bags, amulets and flat pockets--from the Ching Dynasty. Long ago, dried herbs and incense, coins, jewels and curios were tucked inside these little bags, which dangled from ornamental belts worn by the elite. Additional shapes evolved to carry chopsticks, fans, eyeglasses combs, tobacco and other items. Fragrance bags, exchanged between lovers and popularized through Chinese Opera, are also shown along with ear patches that protected the wearer from winter winds. The designs are captivating and the craftsmanship is exceptional. -- By Karen Schmitt