Probably Northeast America, ca. 1760-1790. Primarily wool embroidery with original silk lining (typically the silk lining was replaced in the 19th century, yet this example retains its original), and elegant silver hasp and plate (unhallmarked), with wrigglework decoration and engraved with the initials “ML”, for “Mary L Morris, for which the purse is signed under the flap. Mary was likely a schoolgirl who created this purse at a girl’s academy. The rich colors on the purse are grounded with a dark green, with pink and green strawberries presented within a matrix of black diamonds, the colors remaining deep and saturated. The interior separated into two compartments, begging the question of what they held given the flat/thin design. Paper money? More? The condition of this purse is exceptional, with minor wear to the edges and silk lining due to handling. Very small size at just 4 ½ inches wide a 4 tall x 1 thick (at the hasp), 3/4 inch at the body). Provenance: Delaware family