Gaming purse

Unknown

late 17th century · Red silk velvet embroidered with silver and silver-gilt wrapped threads · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This is a fine example of the type of gaming purse used by the French aristocracy to hold their game pieces, and money, when playing at board games, cards or other entertainments at court. Typically, these bags had drawstring necks, like this one, and flat bases on which the owner’s coat of arms or heraldic devices could be represented, usefully avoiding any debates of ownership amongst competing players, distracted by their game! The device, with stars and crescent moon on this bag, has not yet been identified.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 17th century

Medium

Red silk velvet embroidered with silver and silver-gilt wrapped threads

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019