Eminently used but totally underrepresented, coin purses have never been the subject of an exhibition in France before the one presented at the Monnaie de Paris. And at Bandit Manchot, we found it fascinating!
This everyday accessory, whose golden age began in the 19th century, is finally emerging from anonymity. The aesthetic quality of these objects deserves our attention beyond their utility.
The exhibited collection, assembled by Henri Joannis-Deberne, is unique. It covers the period 1830-1930. It is supplemented by coin purses on loan from French museums, and from major leather goods and jewelry houses for the 20th century, a period when the coin purse, like the handbag, became a fashion accessory in the collections of major contemporary brands.
In the 19th century, it was a beautiful and precious object, popular and touristic, reflecting family, social, and political life. Considering the variety of materials it was made of (tortoiseshell, wood, ivory, mother-of-pearl, fabric, metal, shell, leather, etc.),
their diverse origins (France, Austria, England, Italy, Russia, etc.), the coin purse was not just utilitarian but reflected the refinement of its owner.
Many associated trades, such as tablet makers, jewelers, and goldsmiths, practiced creating these small objects, where the craftsmanship is of incredible fineness and delicacy, close to the work of miniatures.
In the 20th century, leather goods manufacturers made it both a luxurious and common item, promoted by fashion designers and jewelers.
Because the coin purse is also an object of elegance, an essential accessory of Parisian and French "chic," as evidenced by the purses and "porte-louis" (Louis holders), which also reflect a bustling and clinking social life!
