<I>Bouquet holder, green beads, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with marble beads and mother of pearl handle. The vase is comprised of openwork scroll set with two round, green beads. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle, is formed from a sphere above a band stamped with reeding. A short length of chain connects a floral pin to the neck. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The spindle handle is made from turned mother of pearl. 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. A second length of chain connected to a ring is attached to loop around the tip of the handle. The ring 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.