PETIT POINT, BAG

A mid 19th century reticule with hand embroidered petit point panel front and back.

Concertina sides in gros grain green cotton fabric and lined with kid leather.

A plaited cord threaded through holes at top of pouch. Ends of the cord in gold metallic yarn in the shape of a flower.

In poor condition, with embroidered panels coming apart from fabric base and one panel badly stained.

From late 18th century to early 19th C, the Regency era, skirt outlines changed from a wide, expansive shape to the slender Empire style made of muslin. Pockets which had previously been worn inside the dress could no longer exist, and a bag became necessary. Thus small bags, called reticules, with a draw-string came into being and lasted until 1920s.