At the beginning of the nineteenth century the bag became an indispensable decorative accessory as the simplicity of the neoclassical silhouette prevented pockets from being hidden under full skirts. These delicate silk bags were known as reticules, possibly drawn from the Latin term reticulum which described small net bags from Roman times. A drawstring cord functioned to both fasten the bag and as its handle. The surface of Bag, dated between 1820 and 1850, is worked in pinched appliquéd cloth joined by embroidered stalks linking the flowers’ sprays.