Reticule, German, c1900
Silk moiré, silk satin ribbon, metal, sequins, metal beads, and metal thread
The transfer on this delicate drawstring bag depicts a minstrel playing his lute next to a seated lady holding a fan. The scene is reminiscent of those painted by the French artist Jean-Antoine Watteau during the early eighteenth century. A papier-mâché base made from German newspapers, which confirms its national provenance, supports the silk exterior. Machine stitched, the bag would have been relatively inexpensive.
Accession Number: SHM.2010.T.126
