Reticule

c. 1800-England

Material: 

Yellow and green silk knit; pineapple shape with trimming of silver beads and tassels.

Dimension: 

14cm / 9.5cm

This small bag, called "reticule" at that time was elaborately and three-dimensionally knitted into the shape of a pineapple. Motifs of pineapples and other exotic articles associated with the tropics became popular because of the influence of Napoleon Bonaparte's wife Joséphine, the then fashion leader, who was from the Island of Martinique.
"Reticules" usually mean women's small bags with a strap. From the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century dresses became thinner and their designs changed to the Empire style. As a result, pockets that had previously been made inside dresses vanished, and a handbag was needed.

Inventory Number(s): AC4411 83-1-3