<I>Bouquet holder, rose motif, spade handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Copper bouquet holder with spade handle. The openwork vase features a design of broad leaves with thistles and roses between the stems. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle, is formed from acanthus leaves that splay outward on either side. A short length of chain, which would have connected to a finger ring attaches to this point. 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. The handle is in a Gothic Revival trefoil shape that incorporates acanthus leaves on the inner and outer surfaces.