<I>Bouquet holder, petals</I>

ca.1830-1920

Stick-stem bouquet holder of brass. The vase is formed by from five unembellished lotus petals, which curve slightly outward at the mouth of the vase. The flexible metal petals are encircled by a moveable ring impressed with foliate motifs. After the flowers are placed in the cup, the ring can be slid up from the base causing the petals to tighten around the bouquet to secure the flowers. The straight handle is cylindrical with three thin registers of engraved decoration and an engraved cap, the rest is a smooth unadorned surface. A link at the end of the handle suggests a missing chain that would be attached to a ring. This would allow the bouquet holder to be worn from the finger or on a chatelaine at the waist to free the lady's hands while dancing.