Purse

Date1730-1745

MediumSilk, silver gilt threads, steel

Dimensions4" wide x 4 7/8" high

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1985-224

DescriptionSmall purse, shaped like a shield or a rounded "V", open at top with metal clasp. Purse is embroidered with silk and metallic threads on a silk ground. One side has woman picking fruit, with birds above and small house in landscape, worked in French knots within a shaped border of couched metal thread and plate on satin ground. Other side has deer and birds worked in knots, framed by bands of couched metal thread and enclosed silk embroidered flowers. Blue silk lining and edges.
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.

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