Collection Online
Purse

Purse
(early 17th century)

Medium
linen, silk (thread, lining), gilt-metal (thread), seed pearls

Measurements
40.0 × 13.6 × 1.8 cm

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1970

Gallery location
Not on display

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About this work

This small square purse is typical of bags of the period, sometimes described as ‘sweet bags’ because they held sweet powders to scent clothes and linen. A single plant laden with flowers and leaves fills the surface. These tent-stitched flowers contrast with the background which is worked extravagantly in expensive silver thread using Gobelin stitch. The once-bright gold and silver stems are worked in a variety of plaited braid stitches. One solitary sequin remains, presumably the sole survivor of many others which would have made this bag even more luxurious and glittering.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
(England)

Inscription
none

Accession Number
D59-1970

Department
International Fashion and Textiles

This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest

Physical description
A small square purse, or sweete bag, linen ground embroidered with a design of Tudor roses, leaves and coiling stems in coloured silks, gold and silver metallic thread. Linen cord.