A 17th century needlelace (crochet) drawstring purse, English or possibly French, circa 1675-1700
REF: 4767
The main body meticulously worked using silk threads in various shades of blue, gold, ivory and red in a geometric pattern of diagonal coloured bands alternating with bands of silver metal-wrapped threads, the open top laced with a fine woven silk braid drawstring of ivory and blue chevron design, terminating in silk and gilt metal-wrapped thread compound tassels, the circular exterior base needle woven in silver and gilt metal wrapped threads with a central tasselled knot, the interior base with circular linen lining covered with blue twill silk, presented on a plinth protected with a transparent acrylic dust cover, (20cm square)
Small historic repairs. Recently professionally conserved to stabilise some small areas of weakness to the silk threads
For similar needlewoven purses described as crocheted see The Metropolitan Museum, New York, object numbers: 30.135.180; 1981.154.2, and for similar purses of needlework see The Metropolitan Museum, New York, object number 30.135.182 and The V&A Museum, London, accession number T.847Q-1974
- Height 9.5 cm / 3 3⁄4"
- Width 7.5 cm / 3 "
Category
Small historic repairs. Recently professionally conserved to stabilise some small areas of weakness to the silk threadsFor similar needlewoven purses described as crocheted see The Metropolitan Museum, New York, object numbers: 30.135.180; 1981.154.2, and for similar purses of needlework see The Metropolitan Museum, New York, object number 30.135.182 and The V&A Museum, London, accession number T.847Q-1974){kind=link}