Purse

British

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 509

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.

Purse, Canvas worked with silk and metal thread; Gobelin and tent stitches; silk cord and silk and metal thread tassels, British

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Purse, Canvas worked with silk and metal thread; Gobelin and tent stitches; silk cord and silk and metal thread tassels, British
Purse, Canvas worked with silk and metal thread; Gobelin and tent stitches; silk cord and silk and metal thread tassels, British

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