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

ca.1830-1920

Multiple metals bouquet holder with straight handle. The vase of the bouquet holder incorporates a Greek key motif, set at a slight angle with sweeping tendrils both above and below which creates a crown like lip. The pierced design was overlaying a bass liner. Both the scrolls and Greek key designs have applied beadwork tracing their forms. This mixture of classical, curvilinear, and natural motifs is representative of the interest in historicism and the natural world which characterizes much of nineteenth century design. There is a large hole for a floral pin at a join near the top of the vase, which likely would have connected to the broken length of chain attached to the base of the vase. This pin would be used to pierce the stems of the bouquet to secure the flowers in the holder. The handle is straight and decorated with beads and foliate motifs.