Purse

Unknown

early 17th century · Silk and metal thread on canvas · 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. The purse appears to have been worn around the person and to have carried scented herbs and essences to ward off the evil smells of daily life.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Silk and metal thread on canvas

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Rogers Fund, by exchange, 1929