<I>Bouquet holder, floral, filigree</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver filigree bouquet holder. The upper portion of the vase is composed of six petals with a network of filigree volutes, swirls, and concentric ellipses which create a daisy flower motif. There are two well defined holes opposite one another for a floral pin, which attaches to the base of the petals by a short length of ornate chain. 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 next section incorporates concentric circles and curvaceous forms between zigzag borders. The handle portion is filigree and the interior is open so it acts as part of the vase. When a bouquet is placed inside, the stems of the flowers would extend the length of the bouquet holder. The handle terminates with a sphere of oval panels with filigree spirals. A large loop on the end connected a chain that would likely have attached to 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.