<I>Bouquet holder, grape and leaf motif</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with ring handle. The vase is comprised of four repeats of a leafy vine and berry design. Through two large leaves opposite one another at the top of the vase is a hole for a pierced-headed-cotter, floral pin. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. It is connected to the vase by a long round link chain soldered to a leaf near the base. Halfway along this chain is also a plain finger ring. This arrangement is unusual, as rings typically have their own chain. The ring feature 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. The holder could also be carried by its handle. Two acanthus leaves form the stem of the handle into a cornucopia laden with grapes, which connects to a large oblong ring. The ring is comprised of a large ‘C’ scroll joined by an acanthus leaf and was stamped in two parts.