Purse
Portable Pot Pourri
Small, richly embellished bags like this one survive in relatively large numbers and many of them are in remarkably good condition, raising questions about their function. They may have held perfumed powder or dried flowers and herbs. A drawstring seals this pouch, which hung from a long cord, ready to be smelled when needed or desired. Purses like this might also have been used as a form of present wrapping, perhaps holding coins as New Year’s gifts.
Small, richly embellished bags like this one survive in relatively large numbers and many of them are in remarkably good condition, raising questions about their function. They may have held perfumed powder or dried flowers and herbs. A drawstring seals this pouch, which hung from a long cord, ready to be smelled when needed or desired. Purses like this might also have been used as a form of present wrapping, perhaps holding coins as New Year’s gifts.
Artwork Details
- Title: Purse
- Date: first quarter 17th century
- Culture: British
- Medium: Canvas worked with silk and metal thread; Gobelin and tent stitches; silk cord and silk and metal thread tassels
- Dimensions: H. 4 1/2 x W. 5 inches (11.4 x 12.7 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
- Object Number: 64.101.1261
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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British
ca. 1700
Thomas Toft
ca. 1680
William Lukin I
1716/17
Lewis Mettayer
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