<I>Bouquet holder, angels</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with ring handle. The funnel-shaped vase is formed from two repeats featuring a column topped by a floral bouquet with flanking winged female figures. Each woman has flowing hair, bare breast, a skirt formed of leaf-like plumes, and holds an urn containing flowers. The handle begins with a closed blossom and leaves, the stem of which loops up and curls around the base creating a ring. A short length of chain connected to a ring is attached to the top of the handle. 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.