Featured What age is this silk bag with dragon?

Hi all! Picked this up at auction recently because it looked like it had a bit of age to it and I'm a sucker for old handbags etc. Wondering what age you think it might be and what was it used for (eg. sewing bag?)? It measures 9.5"L x 9.5"W (excluding the handles). Is it likely Chinese? Needs some TLC. Any info appreciated. Thanks!

 

If you do a Google Lens search for "Chinese rank badge purse", you'll find similars.

Debora

 

Ooh, thank you! I had no idea!

 

That is unusual to see a 7 claw dragon.....I typically see 5.

 

the dragon and detailing looks to have been done in bullion type thread, like what they used on old military patches etc

a lot of works gone into that, hard to guess an age on it though

 

Oh, that is odd now that you mention it!

 

I see two claws...... are u guys looking at the tail?? ...

 

yes, it appears so.

 

Although it is likely Chinese, it is not a Chinese rank badge purse. Chinese rank badges and the purses made from them are much more intricately and delicately embroidered. There are Chinese rank badges somewhere on the forum, I know @KikoBlueEyes posted a few.

I have a 'kimono' with the same embroidery as on your bag, it used to be my grandmother's and dates from the 1920s. So I guess that would be the time frame of your bag as well.

 

Ah ok, great information thank you! Possibly something that could have been repurposed into a purse outside of China then? Hard to know for sure I guess

 

It was originally made as a purse, just the same embroidery style as my 'kimono'. Both were probably made for export.
The shape, tassels and knots are classic Chinese, you also see those on much older Chinese purses for local use.