‘Culpeper bags’ | SAGE * JUPITER | Bag III of VII

| SAGE * JUPITER |

This bag is constructed from robust C19th French linen. The depth of colour - an exquisite, virid shade - was achieved by our expert plant-dyer, who worked magic with indigo and weld.

The bag’s front flap is adorned with a block print, imagined by artist maker, Janet Tristram. It seamlessly fuses the hedgerow with the heavens. The print, in linseed-based Old gold, contrasts beautifully with the bag’s dark tones; so much so, it almost glows.

The image, rooted in astrological herbalism, depicts the plant Sage - described by Culpeper as ‘well known to have long, rough, and wrinkled leaves, sometimes of a hoary green’ with flowers that are ‘large and galeated’ - within the solid orb of Jupiter, its ruling planet. The image is underscored by a block-printed ribbon carrying the name of both plant and planet. A pair of antique leather straps (originally girth straps from a saddle) in dark brown are hand-stitched to the flap to create weight, balance and beauty. Their finely pointed ends mirror those of the block-printed ribbon.

The bag’s front panel, rear panel, side panels and bottom panel are unprinted. All edges are faced with a rolled, hand-stitched hem. Open the flap, and a block-printed, hand-sewn editioning patch reveals itself, with numerals in Old gold. It reads: III of VII.

Internally, there is a useful pocket, and the bag is lined in striped linen - woven for us in Wexford, Ireland. Contrasting berry-toned stripes complement the bag’s colour.

A sturdy leather strap - repurposed from equestrian tack - is in evidence, along with its original brass buckle. The latter is rectangular in shape with eased corners, and patinaed. The strap is of dark brown leather, and is triple stitched (by hand) to the bag’s side panels. It is adjustable, enabling the bag to be worn on the shoulder or across the body. The strap also has an elegant, holed, trailing surplus with a tapered end. All leatherwork was sourced, revived and expertly hand-stitched using waxed linen thread by Caroline Strecker of Rag of Colts.

Finally, for protection and to give the desired sculptural feel, the bag was gently brushed with a traditional, natural sizing.

Dimensions: Height - 39cm, Length - 36cm, Depth - 5cm

Artists - Janet Tristram & Cameron Short in collaboration with Caroline Strecker.