Purse thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Purse

1675-1700 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The pear-shaped proportions of this purse and the silver frame with snap closure are characteristic of the late 17th century. Its embroidered design features a pastoral scene with shepherd and shepherdess on one side and cupid with pierced heart on the other. The pictorial quality of the embroidery reflects the influence of similar needlework on boxes and mirror frames of this period.

The purse is lined in red silk with an interior divider of the same material. The snap closure and divider suggest that it was intended to hold money.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk, silver, silver-gilt thread, silk thread, hand sewn, hand embroidered
Brief description
Purse, embroidered silk, 1675-1700, British; Cupid and pastoral scenes and metal braid trim.
Physical description
Purse, pear shaped with silver snap-hance frame, made of white satin embroidered with coloured silks with silver-gilt border. It is lined with red silk and has inner divider of red silk with silver-gilt border.
Dimensions
  • Approx. length: 11.0cm
  • Approx width: 10.5cm
Subjects depicted
Summary
The pear-shaped proportions of this purse and the silver frame with snap closure are characteristic of the late 17th century. Its embroidered design features a pastoral scene with shepherd and shepherdess on one side and cupid with pierced heart on the other. The pictorial quality of the embroidery reflects the influence of similar needlework on boxes and mirror frames of this period.

The purse is lined in red silk with an interior divider of the same material. The snap closure and divider suggest that it was intended to hold money.
Collection
Accession number
1320-1900

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Record createdJuly 9, 2008
Record URL
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