Tourist Souvenir Puzzle Handkerchief (Manx cat)
Date made: 1880
Maker: unknown
Description: This Victorian puzzle handkerchief was a popular holiday souvenir for those visitors coming to the Isle of Man each summer. This was one of several examples featuring a visual joke or puzzle. In this case the Manx cat has swallowed the canary, which is carefully hidden within the drawing. Other designs depicted the Moddey Dhoo or Black Dog of Peel Castle.
The handkerchief is of white cotton with a black printed design. The grinning Manx cat is surrounded by the words 'Ha Ha I'm a Manx Cat; I've Eaten the Canary.'
The Manx cat must rival the Three Legs as the international emblem of the Isle of Man. In the Victorian era it was particularly popular, appearing on a range of tourist souvenirs.
#imuseumsouvenir
Materials: cotton
Object name: handkerchief
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 1975-0124a