<I>Bouquet holder, filigree oak leaves and flowers</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver filigree bouquet holder with oak leaves and flowers. The vase is formed by layers of delicate oak leaves of various heights. The leaves are formed by a vertical and horizontal network of filigree overlaid with veins and surrounded by a thin wire edging. A hole near the top of one of the taller leaves is for a floral pin connected to the vase by a round-link chain. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The three-part spindle handle of the bouquet holder is made by relatively thick wires atop a fine filigree network with a tube support underneath. Beadwork encircles different levels of the handle, which are elaborately ornamented with scrolling over an intricately textured surface. The upper register and bottom of the handle are encircled with applied flowers formed with a central bead surrounded by two circles of petals. The handle is capped with a ball finial to which a second chain for a finger ring is attached. This feature would allow the bouquet holder to be worn from the finger or on a chatelaine to free the lady's hands while dancing.