<I>Bouquet holder, grape and leaf motif, straight handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Copper (?) bouquet holder with straight handle. The vase is comprised of two repeats of a grape and leaves pattern. The smooth surface of the grapes is off set by the textured leaves in the design. Near the top of the vase is a large hole for a floral pin. The pin would be used to pierce the stems of the bouquet to secure the flowers in the holder. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle, is a hemispherical shape acting as a cap for the top of the bell-shaped vase. Attached to the join below this is a round-link chain that is connected to a simple 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. The handle is hexagonal with panels stamped with a column of foliate motifs facing in alternating directions. A large-ball finial completes the design.