Purse Mount

Art Historical Context

This exquisite Purse Mount, crafted by an unknown Frankish artisan in the late 5th to early 6th century, exemplifies opulent metalwork of the early medieval period. Measuring just 4 x 1 5/16 x 3/8 inches, it as a decorative fitting for a high-status purse, likely worn by Frankish elites during the turbulent Migration Age. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Art collection—gifted by J. Pierpont Morgan 1917—it offers a glimpse into the rising power of the Meroving Franks in what is now northern Europe. The mount's allure lies in its lavish materials: silver adorned with garnets and glass, ingeniously set using cuttlefish bone for precise casting molds—a technique that allowed for intricate, lightweight designs. Garnets, prized for their deep red glow, were often imported from distant sources like India, highlighting extensive trade networks and the Franks' wealth amid post-Roman upheaval. Artistically, this piece showcases the era's mastery of garnet cloisonné inlays, blending geometric patterns with subtle elegance. It reflects a cultural shift from Roman grandeur to Germanic sophistication, symbolizing status and portability in a warrior society. A true treasure for visitors, it whispers of lives long past. (198 words)