A few weeks before I stumbled across a hankie holder at an estate sale, I wouldn’t have recognized the flowery rectangle of fabric with the ribbons. However, I had just read an article about the pretty handkerchief cases that had piqued my interest, and when I came upon one at the sale I snapped it up.
Hankie holders, also known as hankie bags, were in vogue in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They were used to keep a woman’s handkerchiefs in one safe, easy to find place. They were usually handmade from soft fabrics like silk and satin and exuded femininity. Hankie holders were commonly decorated with lace, ribbons and silk flowers, and some were even painted. Many collectors appreciate the fact that they were handmade, meaning most hankie holders are unique, one of a kind creations.
After I discovered the first hankie bag at the estate sale, I kept my eyes open for others I might come across. I’m attracted by the pretty details of the hankie bags, like embroidery and tassels, but also appreciate simple bags. I have found that antique malls and shops sometimes carry hankie holders, and they are often offered for sale on auction websites. Prices vary, and hankie holders can cost as little as $5 or as much as $100 for an antique, highly decorated hankie holder in mint condition.
There are a number of ways to display a collection of hankie holders. They look perfect when displayed with other girly things, such as gloves or a set of antique lace-up boots. I find that leaving a beautiful hankie holder lying on the corner of the dresser in my bedroom adds a nice touch. A few hankie holders grouped together in a pretty basket can be a conversation piece. A hankie bag can also be mounted in a picture frame and hung on the wall.
