Tags | Collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

We have 14 objects tagged purses.

Flat purse with a drawstring top; one face has a bouquet of flowers, the other a basket of flowers. The sides and top are decorated with a deep edging of fruit, flowers, and animals, including a camel. In polychrome silks over white satin. An example of a type of needle knotting called oya, practiced in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Purse, early 19th century
silk, wire; silk lining.
Gift of Richard C. Greenleaf.
1951-105-19

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 5 images of this object.

Painted ivory silk taffeta panel for the sides of a pocketbook. Design has a frame with an oval opening (as for monogram) with a floral wreath above, and a basket of flowers dangling below. In a framework of swagged flower garlands.

Unfinished Pocketbook (France), late 18th century
silk.
Bequest of Richard Cranch Greenleaf in memory of his mother, Adeline Emma....
1962-56-26-b

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Unlined drawstring bag with two different macramé knots used to produce a lattice-like pattern with diamond-shaped clusters of of tiny balls, in gold and silver metallic yarns.

Purse (England), early 17th century
metallic yarns.
Museum purchase from Au Panier Fleuri, McNeil, and General Acquisitions....
1989-30-1

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Small leather bag with drawstring closure, with red felt trim and flower motifs embroidered with colored beads.

Bag (USA), late 19th century
leather, felt, glass beads.
Gift of Mrs. William P. Treadwell.
1916-33-258

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Flat rectangular bag of heavy green satin, embroidered in gold and silver metallic yarns and coral-colored silk. On one side the pious pelican is plucking her breast to provide sustenance for her young. Bishop's crooks point inward from the corners. On the other side, a stylized flowering branch in a pitcher, with animals and birds. The embroidery is worked through the satin into a heavy linen backing. Remains of loop and knot fastening at top; coral and gold cord edging, with small tassels at intervals; lined with coral silk taffeta.

Purse (Spain), late 17th century
silk and metallic embroidery, silk foundation and lining, linen backing.
Museum purchase through gift of Commander Henry H. Gorringe.
1950-115-3

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Bag in blue and white double cloth showing a bird perched on a branch in the center field, surrounded by narrow border on three sides in repeat patterns of smaller birds. Top border shows repeated medium-sized birds. Plaited net border with drawstring on top.

Bag (Guatemala), early 20th century
wool.
Gift of Alan L. Wolfe.
1962-233-18

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Bag knitted with colored glass beads with a spray of pink roses on a yellow ground. Tan silk at upper edge with silk cord drawstring; bead fringe at bottom in bands of pink, green and red.

Bag (USA), 19th century
silk, glass beads.
Gift of Mary S. M. Gibson.
1945-54-29

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

An open mesh formed of small opalescent beads with a turquoise bead at each intersection and turquoise beads outlining the side opening. Two floral patterned gold rings control slit opening. Twisted gold and cut metal beads form tassels at either end.

Miser's Purse (France), 1830–60
silk yarn, glass beads.
Gift of Mrs. Albert Blum.
1953-106-92

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Knitted bag, circular in form, with an eight-pointed star in the middle with a floral border. Beaded scallops around edges; metal frame, silk lining.

Purse (USA), mid-19th century
glass beads, silk, metal frame.
Gift of Mrs. Harley Lord Stowell.
1944-57-16

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Knitted bag with colored glass beads in design of flowers and leaves with zigzag border on a dark purple ground. Finished at bottom with bead fringe and at top with a crocheted silk cord and carved bone bead; lined with chartreuse silk.

Bag (USA), mid-19th century
glass beads, silk, bone.
Gift of Mrs. Harley Lord Stowell.
1944-57-18

This object is part of the Textiles collection.

Small beaded bag, envelope shaped with flap and strap. Silver-colored beads form the ground, with design in black jet beads: an elephant on the back, and a rosette on the front, with borders of interlacing designs. With tassels at upper corners and bead fringe at bottom.

Purse (France), early 20th century
glass and jet beads.
Gift of Anonymous Donor.
1949-151-11

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Purse of black beads strung in an open diamond-shaped pattern with white and gold beads as decoration. Carved ivory or bone ring to slide and close purse. Two small ivory bars at top through last row of beads, to open. Small chain of black and white beads for carrying. Corner tassels of pink beads.

Purse, 1830–60
silk, glass beads, ivory.
Gift of Mrs. Albert Blum.
1953-106-14

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Purse
silk, glass beads, metal.
1953-106-9

This object is part of the Textiles collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

In the form of a fishing basket, with raised, simulated woven straw on canted lid and body, small loop of twisted straw at front of lid, longer twisted loop at basket back, some green patination in crevices. Flat lid hinged on back. Incised lines on bottom serve as striker.

Fishing Basket Matchsafe, late 19th century
brass.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-162

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.