<I>Bouquet holder, grapes and leaves motif, loop handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver holder with a spoon-type handle. The vase of this posy holder is designed with bunches of grapes and large grape leaves along a curvaceous vine with tendril-like growths along it. A pin on a chain is attached, which would be inserted through holes in the vase in order to secure the stems of the flowers into the holder. A second, shorter length of chain attaches a ring to the bouquet holder. This feature allowed one to wear the bouquet holder from the finger, or it could be clipped to a chatelaine worn at the waist to free the lady's hands while dancing. The handle is smooth and tubular and curves up to create a loop. This type of handle is sometimes referred to as a “rattail” or “spoon” handle.