This purse which is shaped like a modified pocket is created using bead embroidery. This is a technique where beads are sewn onto a base fabric, usually velvet with the support of an embroidery frame or ‘pidangan’. The beads used here are of various bright colours and mostly spheroi (compressed at the sides) in shape. They are known as ‘seed beads’ or ‘Rocaille beads’ and form geometrical designs on the purse. There is also usually an upper section of fabric on such purses, through which a belt could be passed. A purse like this could possibly have been part of the wedding trousseau and was usually made in advance by the bride herself. Due to its small size, the purse served little other function. However, an empty coin pouch was considered a bad omen. As such, token sums of money, usually in pairs of coins would be placed inside to prevent any misfortune from happening.
