<I>Bouquet holder, leaf and berry motif</I>

ca.1830-1920

Nickel silver(?)-plated copper alloy, looped bouquet holder with leaf and berry motif. The vase is designed in an openwork motif of leaves and berries in three stamped repeats. Each leaf has veins extending over a textured surface. This is offset by the smooth surface of the berries and stems. There is a large hole through which a floral pin would be inserted to pierce the stems of the bouquet in order to secure it in the holder. The curved handle is formed from a stamped design of scrolling foliage that flares off the main body. The handle ends in a closed loop the reaches the midpoint of this ornate handle. A ring connected to a short length of chain is attached so the bouquet holder could either be worn on the finger or connected to waist on chatelaine to free the lady's hands while dancing.