Reticule

This is a woman's reticule (purse). Reticules evolved in the eighteenth century as fashions became slender and pockets could no longer be hidden in the folds of skirts. Often made of luxurious fabrics likesilk and embellished with bead embroidery, fringes and tassles, reticules were beautiful and elegant.

This reticule is a lavish and striking example of densely beaded silk. The beaded flaps and fringes of the bag would have swung with the holder's every movement.