Purse

Date1680-1700

MediumSilk velvet (dark red), Silver Metallic Cord with Yellow Silk Core (Embroidery), Red Leather (Lining), Twined Silk Threads of Yellow, Pink, and White (Drawstring), Metal (Likely Acted as a Mount for Stone/Glass Embellishment), Silk Thread (Construction),

DimensionsHeight: 4"; Diameter 7"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-981

DescriptionGaming Purse with flat circular base, used to hold coins or tokens at gaming table during 17th century. Composed of dark red velvet with vertical rows of stylised embroidery in metallic silver cords down purse sides. Metal detail with circular indentationations at center incorporated into embroidered designs may have once held small glass beads or stones. Bottom of purse has central design resembling stylised sun or flower. Yellow, pink, and white silk draw string with acorn tassel covered in silver metallic threads (likely a wood core). Drawstring is threaded through punched holes along top edge of purse. The mouth of the purse is edged in a woven border. Interior is lined with leather that appears to have once been red in color.

Construction History:
1. Originally constructed 1680-1700
2. Unknown date: The mouth of the purse is edged in a woven border that was once entirely metallic silver cording, most of silver has been removed and it now resembles a simple yellow silk edging.