<I>Bouquet holder, serpent and leaves</I>

ca.1830-1920

Open vase of stamped gilded brass and mother of pearl shaft. This interesting design for a bouquet holder incorporates flora and fauna into its composition. The gold vase is formed by three leaves that spring upward in an ‘S' curve. Central veins run through the leaves to their jagged edges. Three smaller leaves surround the base, securing it to the base and handle. A long serpent coils around the vase with its head serving as the lip of the bowl. The surface of the snake's body is adorned with stamped flowers instead of scales. Below the middle, a broken link attached for a chain ending in a floral pin is missing. The vase connects to the handle with a domed band with smooth and textured chevrons in the surface. The handle is a straight spindle made of turned mother of pearl that tapers to a point. Mother of pearl handles retained a cool feeling longer than some other materials. Because of this, they were said to be appropriate for warmer months. A flat area near the bottom of the handle suitable for a band to attach a chain for a finger ring but both are missing. This feature 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.