Forest Green Silk Velvet Drawstring Reticule

Romantic · 1820s · French

This French reticule features deep forest green silk velvet as the primary material, constructed as a drawstring pouch with gathered fabric creating soft pleating at the opening. The bag is elaborately decorated with polychrome silk embroidery depicting naturalistic floral motifs including roses and wheat sheaves in pink, cream, and gold threads. Gold metallic trim edges the drawstring opening and base, while silk tassels hang from the gathered bottom. The long silk cord handles are twisted and allow the bag to be carried on the wrist or held. This type of small decorative purse was essential for fashionable women during the Romantic period when empire waistlines and slim silhouettes provided no space for pockets.