<I>Bouquet holder, star & moon charms</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal vase of a bouquet holder. The conical vase is formed by a metal sheet stamped with elaborate acanthus leaves, ‘S’ and ‘C’ scrolls and arabesques. This design recalls the motifs and dynamism associated with the Rococo Revival style of the nineteenth century. Small, round openings for the floral pin encircle the base. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. A three-lobed loop chain is connected to the midpoint of the vase and terminates in a ring. 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. On the chain are two dangling charms, one of a moon and the other a star.