Pouch
Unknown Artist
fourth quarter 17th century
Medium
Silk, metallic
Classification
Pouch
Culture
European
Department
Costume Institute
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of the executors of the estate of Clara M. Blum in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Blum, 1966
Accession Number
2009.300.5470
Art Historical Context
This delicate pouch, crafted by an unknown European artist in the late 17th century, exemplifies the opulent fashion accessories of the Baroque era. Produced during a time when European courts reveled in lavish display—think Versailles under Louis XIV or the restored splendor of Charles II's England—such pouches served as practical yet elegant carriers for coins, keys, or personal items. Worn at the waist or carried by hand, they were status symbols for both men and women, blending functionality with conspicuous luxury. Made from shimmering silk woven with metallic threads, likely gold or sil...