<I>Bouquet holder, filigree with twisted handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver filigree asymmetrical vase and handle. The vase of the bouquet holder is angled so that one side is higher than the rest. The lip is topped with open crockets along a thin filigreed ribbon. Below the lip, the vase is formed from curlicues and granulations of delicate silver branching off central bands, which extend vertically. Below is a register of crockets over three rows of applied silver beads. A band of smooth metal separates these elaborate sections from a solid base with a series of ovals with a textured surface. This type of silver filigree is typical of bouquet holders made in India. At its base, a ring is soldered onto which is looped a short length of foxtail chain ending in soldered-head floral pin. This pin could be inserted through the vase and stems in order to secure a small bundle of flowers inside. The handle is slightly curved and capped with a ball. It is incised with diagonal and vertical dotted ribbons stamped in two parts that meet at a central vein extending the length of the handle. It is capped with a small cone-shaped knob.