late 17th century
France
Object qualities
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Object
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumRed silk velvet embroidered with silver and silver-gilt wrapped threads
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SizeConfirmed: 2 5/8 Г— 4 7/8 Г— 4 7/8 in. (6.7 Г— 12.4 Г— 12.4 cm)
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Geography details
France -
Country today
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Datelate 17th century
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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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.