Purse or Bag
Date1600-1625
OriginEngland
MediumSilk, silver metallic threads, linen ground, wood tassel forms
DimensionsW: 4"; L: 3 5/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1956-554
DescriptionSmall drawstring purse embellished with tent stitch canvaswork embroidery in shades of green, coral and blue silks and silver threads covering a linen canvas ground. The design, front and back, shows a flowering tree growing from a grassy hillock with scrolling branches bearing large flowers and leaves. Purse is lined with changeable pink/gold silk taffeta. Intricately braided (lucette-made) drawstrings end with elongated pear-shape decorative covered wooden knobs. Three smaller tassels trim bottom of purse.Stitches: tent
Label TextSmall purses beautifully embroidered with silk and metallic threads were often used as elegant containers or "gift bags" in which to present gifts of money at the end of the year. Some people filled small purses with aromatic herbs and spices for perfuming clothing in storage drawers, similar to sachets today. The purses were sometimes called "sweet bags" for their sweet-scented contents.
