<I>Bouquet holder, flower motif, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded-silver, gilded-brass, glass, and mother-of-pearl bouquet holder. The vase composed of four panels created by curving and intertwined ropes of gilded brass. Each side of the vase has a plain circular flower of partially gilded silver and would have had a faceted red glass “gem” in the upper center, although only one is present. The neck is comprised of three decorative bands above a ring of eight petals. The middle band has a round-link chain attached to it, which connects to a loop-headed floral pin. 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 handle is made from a spindle of mother of pearl with ruddy brown streaks. 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. Near the end of the handle a band connects a second length of chain attached to ring with knurled edges. 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.