Bag

Unknown

early 17th century · Canvas embroidered with silk and silver thread · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This elaborately embroidered purse probably corresponds to the "sweet bags" recorded in a number of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century inventories. These purses appear to have been worn about the person and carried scented herbs and essences to ward off the evil smells of daily life.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Canvas embroidered with silk and silver thread

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Rogers Fund, by exchange, 1929