Not on display

Purse

Purse
1750-1775 (made)

Brocaded silk purse, edged with gold lace, with pink silk ribbon ties.

Object details

Categories
Accessories
Lace
Bags
Textiles
Fashion
Object type
Purse
TitlePurse
Materials and techniques
silk, lace
Brief description
Purse, silk, lace, France, 1750-75
Physical description
Brocaded silk purse, edged with gold lace, with pink silk ribbon ties.
Dimensions
  • Length: 7in
  • Width: 6in
Historical measurements taken from record.
Gallery label
(12/2020)
Reticules, also known as ridicules or indispensables, were small pouches with a handle designed to be carried at a woman’s side. When they became popular in the late 18th century, reticules were usually made from fine materials such as silk to match fabrics used for dresses. Their outer surfaces were embroidered (sometimes with mottos), beaded or painted. They would hold small objects such as a fan, letters and handkerchief, and are considered a precursor of today's handbag. The purple reticule with yellow piping, shown here [T.256:1-1966], contained a letter and was made 'as a small token of gratitude' in 1822 by Emma A. Gibson [T.256:2-1966].

V&A, Room 40, Bags: Inside Out.
Collection
Textiles and Fashion Collection
Accession number
215-1872

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O365272/purse-purse/
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