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Purse

15th–16th century
Not on view
Purses of various shapes and sizes, carried by both men and women, were given descriptive terms in medieval inventories, such as bourse or poche à compartement. In the fifteenth century, purses with clasps of metal and loops on the rear which could be attached directly to the belt superseded the pouches which closed with drawstrings and hung from the belt. The clasp no doubt came into use to provide greater security for money or other valuables when the owner walked on crowed city streets.

This purse has two inside pockets and a concealed smaller section with two small openings hidden beneath the front flat.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Purse
  • Date: 15th–16th century
  • Culture: European
  • Medium: Iron, leather
  • Dimensions: Overall: 9 x 7 1/16 x 1 5/8 in. (22.9 x 17.9 x 4.1 cm)
    purse clasp only: 5 x 6 x 1 5/8 in. (12.7 x 15.2 x 4.1 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Iron
  • Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1952
  • Object Number: 52.121.2
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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