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

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with mother of pearl handle. The vase is comprised of openwork loops of braiding with two braided wreaths. Below two graceful birds are surrounded by floral motifs. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle, is formed from a sphere above a band stamped with decoration. A short length of chain connects a floral pin to the neck. 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 spindle handle is made from turned mother of pearl. 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.