<I>Bouquet holder, mirrors, blue stones, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded brass vase with two mirrors and turquois glass stones. In the style of the 18th century, the stamped metalwork creates an ornate frame for the two oval mirrors, as well as creating the other two sides of the vase. The mirrors, sometimes called flirting mirrors, allowed the lady to check her face or spy on what was happening behind her. Below, turquois glass stones are inset into the curvaceous forms. These sides alternate with two repeats of Rococo Revival style motifs with a central turquoise glass “gem.” A pin on a chain is attached to the vase. It would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of the bouquet to secure it in the holder. The neck is stamped with a four-dot diamond pattern and crescents on a vertical-line background and attaches the carved mother of pearl handle. Mother of pearl handles retained a cool feeling longer than some other materials; because of this, they were said to be appropriate for warmer months. The shaft is carved with graduated rings around the stem. A chain and ring is attached to a band around the handle. This feature allows the bouquet holder to be worn from the finger or on a chatelaine at the waist to free the lady's hands while dancing.