19th Century Early Reticule, Or Bag, New England, England or U.S.A. Septagonal, or four sided, with embroidery and silk tassels. White satin embroidered with polychrome silks, silver threads, silver sequins. On front, in center of wreath of roses tied with blue bow, is written VALUE THE TRIFLE. On back, in similar wreath, is FRIENDSHIP. On sides are floral motifs, one of sweetpeas and the other of pansies. On all sides a border of silver threads in chain motif entwined with curling brown vine. Primarily worked in satin stitch. Thirteen silk tassels attached. White ribbon ties. via Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, U.S.A. mfa.org

Definition Reticule Or Ridicule Or Bag or Purse: Often with a drawstring to pull closed and usually made of cloth or covered cardboard and often decorated with beading or embroidery. A reticule, or purse, or handbag, was usually carried by a woman during the Regency period to carry all their daily necessities. Earlier, women used pockets that tied at the waistline and were hidden in the folds of their skirts. Empire style, or early 1800s, high-waisted dresses made it impossible to either sewn in a pocket or to tie on a pocket. So women began carrying small, decorated bags called Reticules, or ridicules, which generally pulled close at the top with a drawstring.