Purse

Unknown

last quarter 16th century · silk, gold, silver, linen · Costume Institute

Elaborately embroidered purses such as this example were known as "sweet bags" and were used to carry scented herbs or essences to cover unpleasant odors.

Artist

Unknown

Date

last quarter 16th century

Medium

silk, gold, silver, linen

Culture

British

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Purchase, Judith and Gerson Leiber Fund, 1986