<I>Bouquet holder, enamel handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with enamel handle. The vase is comprised of pierced, stamped ornate designs incorporating S and C scrolls, foliage, and other Rococo Revival motifs. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle is textured with scrolling motifs. A short length of flat figure-"8" ladder chain connects from the middle of the vase to a loop-ended floral pin. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The straight tapered handle is made of royal blue enamel on copper with silver and gold paillons in designs around the stem, which recalls the French porcelain designs produced in the eighteenth century. The handle was originally capped by a gilded brass finial that is no longer present.