<I>Bouquet holder, enamel vase and handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with enamel handle. The openwork vase is comprised of elaborate Rococo Revival style stampings with blue and white enameling. Near the base of the vase a short length of chain connects to a 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 straight tapered handle is made of blue enamel on copper with silver and gold paillons in designs around the stem, which recall the French porcelain designs produced in the eighteenth century. The handle is capped in with a gilded brass finial with a chain and ring attached to the tip. The ring would allow the bouquet holder to be worn on the finger or attached to a chatelaine worn at the waist to free the lady's hands while dancing.