<I>Bouquet holder, mirrored, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal and mirrored bouquet holder with mother of pearl handle. The openwork vase is three sided. One side features an oval mirror, sometimes called a flirting mirror, which allowed the lady to check her face or spy on what was happening behind her. The other two panels feature large grape leaves in the center. 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, which attaches the vase to the handle, is a smooth band. The spindle handle is made from a luminescent mother of pearl. It has been turned, creating rings and bands as it tapers to a point. 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.