MADE FOR BESSIE SMITH (MUSIC--BLUES.) SMITH, BESSIE. Tramp Art, portable "vanity/jewel box." 20 x 9 x 7 inches with three red felt-lined drawers; her name, as well as a "G Clef" and a quarter note have been skillfully cut from thin wood with a coping saw, and appliquéd to the front and back; the front, back and sides are decorated with 26 small, rectangular pieces of mirror (age has caused the mirror pieces to oxidize), while the edges are decorated with scalloped pieces of wood, typical of "tramp art." Np, circa 1920's
Bessie Smith (1894-1937) is without question one of the handful of iconic names in the formative years of Blues Music. Together with King Oliver, Louis Armstrong and a handful of others, she was certainly what we'd call a "superstar today." This little vanity or jewel case was no doubt made for her by an adoring fan. We have no provenance other than the fact that it was bought at a "flea market" by an antique dealer who recognized the name. Bessie Smith's actual career was quite brief. She made her first recording "Downhearted Blues" in 1923 propelling her to fame. In the era of the "Roaring Twenties" Smith became the highest paid black entertainer of the day, heading her own shows, which sometimes featured as many as 40 troupers, and touring in her own railroad car. This little portable vanity was probably made to be carried around with here on her tours.
