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

ca.1830-1920

Silver funnel-shaped bouquet holder with tripod handle. The pierced vase is comprised of six S-shaped scrolls with flower and leaf motifs inside them. The scrolls are resting on three textured leaves alternating with smooth tapered bands. A short length of chain, which would have connected to a floral pin is attached to side of the vase. 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 neck, which connects the vase to the handle is adorned stylized leaves. Second length of broken chain is attached to the neck and would have connected to 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, each with a foot at the end for balance. Each panel is stamped with flowers and scrolls.