Code: B4382/C10
Dimensions:
A stunning 17th Century (circa 1660 - 1680) Gaming Purse deemed to be either French or Italian. This fabulous gaming purse dates from around 1660 -1680. In the late 17th Century gaming became a popular pastime. Gaming was gambling with cards. It was enjoyed by both men and women. A gaming purse was to hold coins or counters and has a flat base. This beautiful gaming purse is green silk velvet appliqued with silver thread with fleur-de-lys, scrolling arrow head and motifs to the sides. This design is repeated on the base around a quarterfoil. It is lined with kidskin.
The gaming purse has some loss of velvet pile and loose threads particularly near the quarterfoil. The drawstring appears to have been replaced at a time unknown. It is a truly fantastic purse and similar examples can be seen in museums such as the V & A and the Met Museum for reference.