Purse
Date1700-1740
OriginEngland (probably)
MediumSilk; silver metallic cord; steel frame.
DimensionsLength: 4 1/2"; Width: 3 3/4"
Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors
Object number1971-1464
DescriptionShield-shaped purse embroidered in polychrome silk French knot stitches in scenes framed by cartouches of couched metallic cords. One side of the purse depicts a lion under a tree, with a building in the background. The other side has two rabbits under a flowering tree in a rural setting with a building in background. Lined with carnation silk. Steel frame opens by pushing hinges.Label TextSmall decorative purses were popular accessories for presenting gifts of money and for holding sweet-smelling herbs and perfumed substances. All three purses have eyelets or holes near the top for drawstring closures. The drawstring is missing on the rectangular bag; the long braided strap is a later replacement.
ProvenanceEx Coll; Anonymous Owner: Ginsburg & Levy (1952), Mrs. DeWitt Clinton Cohen ; Percival Griffiths
1675-1700
1600-1625
ca. 1700
Ca. 1650 (Textile)
1600-1650
1680-1700
1680-1740
c. 1775