<I>Bouquet holder, flower motif, looped handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver funnel-shaped vase with curved handle. The vase of the bouquet holder is designed with multiple pierced design motifs. Braided designs, stylized flowers, organic foliate forms and small panels engraved with foliage intermingle to create the vase. The undulating lip of the bowl is dotted applied silver beads. A chain connecting a floral pin is attached to the bowl that can be inserted through the vase. The pin would pierce the flowers, thus securing them in the bouquet holder. The handle of the bouquet holder loops up in a what is called a “rat-tail” handle and ends with a miniature flower-decorated plaquette. It is decorated with leaves and a textured surface that end at the base of the bowl. A chain connected to a ring is attached at the handle. This ring allowed the bouquet holder to be worn on the finger or attached to a chatelaine that was worn at the waist to free the lady's hands while dancing.