A LEATHER PURSE
Late Timurid or early Safavid Iran, 15th – 16th century

Of almond-like shape, sewn with matching trim, the flattened purse featuring an elaborate cusped cover fitting over the upper aperture, the relatively small opening (8cm-long) suggesting its use possibly as a coin purse, each side embossed with two opposing diagonal lines in relief, reserved against a scored and chequer-marked ground, with a suspension leather string above, 23cm x 18cm when closed.

Another analogous leather purse attributed to 15th - 16th-century Iran was sold at Christie’s London, 21 April 2016, lot 82. That example was slightly larger than the present lot and painted in gold with scrolling vines and regardant deer. Nevertheless, the shape and iconic style of these purses are undeniably close, suggesting a similar dating and place of origin.