In the Bag: Handbags, Purses and Carrying Cloths From the Academy's Collection November 7, 2006

The extraordinary beauty of bags, purses and carrying cloths reveals wonderful surprises, both ancient and modern. Used to transport, bags are the most diverse and prolific of accessories. Bags change with time, circumstance, practicality and function which are recognized by many names, such as, pocketbook, purse, handbag, reticule and chatelaine, pouch, satchel, saddlebag, furoshiki, da lien, ch'uspa and bilim. These icons of style can be held in the hand, in the pocket, on the arm, around one's neck, hung over one's belt, slung over the shoulder and on one's back.