Chatelaine

Derived from the French for "lady or mistress of the castle," and related to the cordelière, a chatelaine was first worn in the 16th and 17th centuries and consisted of a chain with attached items such as a cross and keys. Both decorative and functional, the 19th-century version usually consisted of a central decorated clip that attached to the waistband or belt with a hook at back, such as this example. Several items draped from chains attached to the central clip, and included items a woman might need during her daily routine. This example includes a wax holder for sealing letters, a pencil, notebook and chain mail purses. The notebook, wax holder and pencil each have a distinctly Middle Eastern sensibility, particularly reminiscent of the highly detailed scrolling filigree patterns interspersed with small flower heads often seen in Persian design motifs.