Gaming purse

late 17th century

Not on view

This is a fine example of the type of gaming purse used by the French aristocracy to hold their game pieces, and money, when playing at board games, cards or other entertainments at court. Typically, these bags had drawstring necks, like this one, and flat bases on which the owner’s coat of arms or heraldic devices could be represented, usefully avoiding any debates of ownership amongst competing players, distracted by their game! The device, with stars and crescent moon on this bag, has not yet been identified.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Gaming purse
Date: late 17th century
Culture: French
Medium: Red silk velvet embroidered with silver and silver-gilt wrapped threads
Dimensions: Confirmed: 2 5/8 × 4 7/8 × 4 7/8 in. (6.7 × 12.4 × 12.4 cm)
Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
Credit Line: Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019
Object Number: 2019.283.125
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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