<I>Bouquet holder, leaf motif, tripod</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with tripod base. The funnel-shaped vase is comprised of leaves, blossoms, and berries on the vine. The neck, which would have connected the vase to the handle, is decorated with filigree leaves alternating with applied silver flowers on long, slender stems. A short length of chain is attached below the neck and terminates in 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. A ring is also attached to the chain at the neck. 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, each with a substantial foot at the end to add stability. The legs are decorated with a stamped design of flowers within lozenges. The when the legs were secured together, they acted as a straight, stem handle for the bouquet holder.