This brass handbag, inlaid with gold and silver has been identified as one of the earliest examples of a lady's purse. The elaborate object was crafted in Mosul, Iraq, and dated around 1300 A.D. Although older evidences exist (like parts of a 4200 years-old purse, found in Germany, or the 1200 years-old Sutton Hoo purse cover on display at the British Museum), it is certainly fascinating how this object survived the ravages of time. The lid is richly decorated with a courtly scene showing a couple - seated at the center - surrounded by their attendants as musicians, hunters and revelers in Mongol costume and feathered hats. The bag is believed made after Iraq had been conquered by the Mongols: the decoration shows us the political situation by fusing traditional Mosul decoration with an image of a conquerors court scene. It was acquired by the collector Thomas Gambier Parry and bequeathed to The Courtauld Gallery in London.
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