<I>Bouquet holder, Greek key motif</I>

ca.1830-1920

Cast silver bouquet holder with silver beadwork. The vase of the bouquet holder incorporated a Greek key motif that is set at an angle. Below this geometric design the rest of the vase is designed in curvilinear scrolls and issuing from central lines around the circumference of the vase. Both the scrolls and Greek key designs have applied silver beadwork tracing their forms. At the base of the vase a pin on a chain is attached, which could be inserted through the vase and stems of flowers to secure a bouquet in place. At this point the bouquet holder also has a ring connected to a chain attached to it. The ring allowed the bouquet holder to be worn on the finger or attached to a chatelaine at the waist to free the lady's hands while dancing. The bouquet holder has a straight, spindle handle, which has applied beadwork and smooth surfaces within inverted pointed arches. The tip of the handle is patterned with gothic motifs and is crowned with a single silver bead at the point. This mixture of classical and gothic motifs is representative of the interest in historicism which characterizes much of nineteenth century design.