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Purse, last quarter of 16th century
English
Colored silks with silver and gold thread on linen; L. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
Purchase, Judith and Gerson Leiber Fund, 1986 (1986.300.1)

Elaborately embroidered purses such as this example were known as "sweet bags" and were used to carry scented herbs or essences to cover unpleasant odors.

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    Purse, last quarter of 16th century
    English
    Colored silks with silver and gold thread on linen; L. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
    Purchase, Judith and Gerson Leiber Fund, 1986 (1986.300.1)