<I>Bouquet holder, red ivory handle and flowers</I>

ca.1830-1920

Bouquet holder made of gilded metal and ivory that has been dyed red. The vase is formed by cartouches surrounded by S and C scrolls as well as palmettes. Red ivory roses stem from the vase on spiraled metal stalks. The base is engraved with curvilinear detailing. The forms and engraved work of the vase shows the skilled craftsmanship of the maker. A pin attached to the base would be inserted through the vase, thus piercing the flowers and securing them in the holder. The spindle handle of the bouquet holder is cylindrical with swelling and deflated portions. It is dyed red, unifying the holder with the red flowers on the vase. A ring on a chain is clasped around the base of the holder so that it could be worn about the finger or hung from a chatelaine about the waist.