Dusty Blue and White Reticule Purse

She soon believed herself to penetrate Mrs. Elton's thoughts, and ...
she saw her with a sort of anxious parade of mystery fold up a letter which she had apparently been reading aloud to Miss Fairfax, and return it into the purple and gold reticule by her side...
-Emma
Jane Austen

This listing is for a handmade reticule with a textured dusty blue base and floral inspired lace applique, trimmed with white and gold cord, a gold tassle, and lined in white. It measures approximately 9 1/2" by 9". 

Because the straight lines of Regency gowns did not provide room for pockets, women were forced to carry necessary items in small drawstring bags called reticules. Precursor to today's purse, the reticule provided a place to store important things (small parcels, spare change, the ever-present handkerchief, a small mirror, perhaps a snuffbox...all the rage at the time... or powder, smelling salts, and a love-letter or two) close at hand.