The court was mad about gambling even though it was formally considered a faux pas. The monarchs often joined the games on their evening soirées and for that they would need a purse to contain their personal "poker chips". Of course the purse had to be just as elaborately decorated as everything else the monarch came in contact with.
This is the gamble purse of Marie Leszczynska which has been embroidered with her personal arms. The main fabric is red velvet - a very expensive fabric. Two golden tassels hangs on each side of the purse.
Historical curiosities often reveal more about everyday life than grand events. Objects connected to games and leisure show how people relaxed, socialized, and expressed personality. I once explored an essay about a decorative purse used for games, and it painted a vivid picture of routine moments rather than ceremony. In the middle of that exploration, I thought about how modern platforms like instant win game continue the tradition of combining leisure with structure. Across centuries, the core idea remains the same - play is meaningful when it fits naturally into life without overwhelming it.
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