<I>Bouquet holder, hanging spheres, tripod</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver filigree bouquet holder with tripod base. The vase is formed by five serrated leaf-shaped panels with intricate filigree interiors. Applied to the exterior are filigree flowers and hanging swags of balls and tassels. Two short lengths of chain are attached to the side of the vase. The first attaches to a floral pin, which would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The second chain has a filigree sphere-shaped charm hanging from it and terminates in a 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 of the bouquet holder also serves as a tripod stand. This would allow the bouquet holder to act as a free-standing table or mantle ornament. Three curved panels spring out (one of which is missing), each with a foot at the end to add stability. The legs are each filled with more substantial filigree than the delicate vase. The when the legs were secured together, they acted as a straight, stem handle for the bouquet holder. This type of silver filigree is typical of bouquet holders made in India.