An ‘ultimate declaration of love’ – created in the form of a puzzle purse – has been opened for the first time in more than 230 years.
And its eloquent prose, penned by a man nursing ‘a lovesick heart’ in 1782, delivers a lesson in romance, according to Hansons Auctioneers, which uncovered the find.
Charles Hanson, owner of the Derbyshire auction house, said: “The sentiment, the beauty, the gentle words and accompanying sketches of hearts, flowers and turtle doves, sweep us back to another time, a more romantic era.
“Today people look for love by swiping left or right on a dating app or by volunteering for dating programmes on TV. The fact that there are so many of these shows proves people are desperate to find love and romance, and yet appear to struggle to discover it.
“This eloquent and heartfelt declaration of love, painstakingly created by hand with careful thought and patience, reflects a bygone age.
“People talk of the art of romance, and this is it – a work of art in itself, delicate, tasteful and genuine. It provides a lesson in love for today’s Tinder generation.”
Jim Spencer, head of books and works on paper at Hansons, said: “The love token was brought to us by a lady who had kept it in her jewellery box for around 30 years but never dared open it in case it ripped apart.
“Consequently, she was extremely surprised when I gently unfolded the paper puzzle to reveal the words inside. It’s delicate but perfectly functional. I may have been the first person to open it other than the girl it was intended for centuries ago.”
Anne Eaton, 73, a retired florist from Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and owner of the puzzle purse, said: “It was given to me by my mother who died in the late 1980s. I kept it in my jewellery box and looked at it from time to time but never dared open it. It’s so fragile.
“I’m not sure if it’s a family heirloom but I think it was given to my mum by her eldest brother many years ago. Mum was one of seven and grew up in the north east so it may originate from there.”
Puzzle purses were once regarded as the ultimate declaration of love and were popular from the 1700s. They represent the metaphor, ‘open your heart to love’ and have their origins in origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. By folding back the panels, one at a time in sequential order, a romantic message is conveyed through verses and sketches.
Mr Hanson said: “In the 1700s romance was admired as a formal art. There was great ritual surrounding courting. A couple would dance together, take leisurely walks and get to know one another. Today, we have TV’s Naked Attraction.
“The writer of the love token confesses, ‘Cupid with his fatal dart has deeply wounded my tender heart’.
“Around the edges, as you turn the square, the message unfolds, ‘Dear Love, this heart which you behold … will break when you this leaf unfold … even so my heart with lovesick pain … sore wounded is and broke in twain’.”
The lovesick musings continue: ‘On the inside sweet turtle dove, I’ve writ a moral of my love. The powers of envy can’t pretend, to say false stories I have penned. Do not mistake and me reprove. You’ll find me constant to you my love. It’s to you my dear and only joy. Requite me now and be not too coy. Banish any rivals from your sight. And with your love now me requite. Cupid’s my guide and doth my hand direct. To write to you whom I so much respect’.
The lovelorn young man was hoping for marriage. Above two entwined hearts he penned: “My dear, these my meaning is in matrimonial joys … For never will my heart find any ease. Til our two hearts be linked as found like these… So, if you deny my loving bride to be, you will bereave me of my felicity’.
The love token dating back to 1782 will be sold at Hansons’ Gentleman’s Library Auction at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire on October 15. Estimate of £200-£300.
Hansons Auctioneers, in Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, is inviting entries until November 23 for its Christmas Fine Art, Jewellery and Gentleman’s Library Auction. To find out more, email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
