Drawstring purse with tassels, anonymous, c. 1798 - c. 1810
embroidering, l c.29.3cm × w c.26cm × h c.2cm More details
At the end of the 18th century, diaphanous and flowing gowns inspired by Classical antiquity came into fashion. Neither the fabrics nor the cut of these gowns were suited to pockets. As women needed ‘something’ to carry items such as a handkerchief, money or pomade (cream), they used purses of this kind.
