Purse
1600-1635 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
In the 17th century, decorative purses such as this one were rarely used to carry money. Their wealthy owners engaged in few commercial exchanges requiring cash. Some were used as 'sweet bags', holding perfumed powder or dried flowers to cover body odours in an age before daily bathing. Other purses served as a form of 'gift wrapping' for small presents or gifts of money. Purses could contain mirrors for grooming or function as sewing kits which held needles, thread and tiny scissors.
Materials & Making
The technique of this purse is unusual. Normally linen was used as a ground for embroidery, but in this case it is heavy paper. The thick application of the metal thread and extensive use of metal purl gives the purse a very rich three-dimensional texture.
Designs & Designing
The pattern features two favourite Jacobean motifs, roses and pea pods. Most embroidery designs of this period are inspired by flowers and plants that grew in the garden.
In the 17th century, decorative purses such as this one were rarely used to carry money. Their wealthy owners engaged in few commercial exchanges requiring cash. Some were used as 'sweet bags', holding perfumed powder or dried flowers to cover body odours in an age before daily bathing. Other purses served as a form of 'gift wrapping' for small presents or gifts of money. Purses could contain mirrors for grooming or function as sewing kits which held needles, thread and tiny scissors.
Materials & Making
The technique of this purse is unusual. Normally linen was used as a ground for embroidery, but in this case it is heavy paper. The thick application of the metal thread and extensive use of metal purl gives the purse a very rich three-dimensional texture.
Designs & Designing
The pattern features two favourite Jacobean motifs, roses and pea pods. Most embroidery designs of this period are inspired by flowers and plants that grew in the garden.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Paper, embroidered with silver and silver-gilt thread and spangles (sequins) |
| Brief description | Purse with silver embroidery |
| Physical description | An embroidered purse. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label |
|
| Summary | Object Type In the 17th century, decorative purses such as this one were rarely used to carry money. Their wealthy owners engaged in few commercial exchanges requiring cash. Some were used as 'sweet bags', holding perfumed powder or dried flowers to cover body odours in an age before daily bathing. Other purses served as a form of 'gift wrapping' for small presents or gifts of money. Purses could contain mirrors for grooming or function as sewing kits which held needles, thread and tiny scissors. Materials & Making The technique of this purse is unusual. Normally linen was used as a ground for embroidery, but in this case it is heavy paper. The thick application of the metal thread and extensive use of metal purl gives the purse a very rich three-dimensional texture. Designs & Designing The pattern features two favourite Jacobean motifs, roses and pea pods. Most embroidery designs of this period are inspired by flowers and plants that grew in the garden. |
| Bibliographic reference | John Lea Nevinson, Catalogue of English Domestic Embroidery of the Sixteenth & Seventeenth Centuries, Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Textiles, London: HMSO, 1938, pp.98-99 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.10-1922 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | December 15, 1999 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
