etuis

An etui is a small, decorative case designed to hold sewing tools and other small items. The term is French in origin, and in English usage the plural forms etuis or etuies are both attested. Etuis were especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, worn as personal accessories or carried in pockets, purses, or on chatelaine belts.

Construction and contents vary, but etuis are typically compact and highly ornamented. They were made from materials such as ivory, tortoiseshell, horn, wood, or metal, and often feature enamel, silver, or gold mounts. Inside, they open to reveal a system of tiny compartments and fittings, including needles, pins, thread, a needlecase, small scissors, a thimble, a tape measure, and sometimes sewing wax or a threader. Some examples include pincushions or miniature corked spools. There were also specialized versions, such as scent etuis designed to hold perfume or aromatic substances, reflecting the broader interest in personal fragrance and grooming.

Historical use and significance are tied to fashion and personal organization. In Europe, etuis were prized as fashionable accessories for both women and men, frequently worn on belts or attached to chatelaines. They were produced by metalworkers, ivory turners, lacquer specialists, and other artisans, and could be elaborately engraved or inlaid as display pieces. The rise of mass production and changes in style led to a decline in the practical use of etuis by the late 19th to early 20th century.

Today, etuis are valued as historical objects within the decorative arts and sewing histories. They appear in museum collections and private holdings as examples of miniature craftsmanship, personal adornment, and the social culture of their eras.