<I>Bouquet holder, mirrored, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded brass vase with two mirrors and turquois glass stones. In the style of the 18th century, the stamped metalwork creates an ornate frame for the two oval mirrors, as well as creating the other two sides of the vase. The mirrors, sometimes called flirting mirrors, allowed the lady to check her face or spy on what was happening behind her. Below, turquois glass stones are inset into the curvaceous forms. These sides alternate with two repeats of Rococo Revival style motifs with a central turquoise glass “gem.” The neck is stamped with a four-dot diamond pattern and crescents on a vertical-line background. The remnants of a chain which would have attached to a pin on a chain to insert through the side of the bouquet holder through the stems to secure the posy inside. From the neck band extends the carved mother of pearl stick-stem handle. Mother of pearl handles retained a cool feeling longer than some other materials; because of this, they were said to be appropriate for warmer months. The shaft, which is carved with graduated rings, is missing its end. There would also likely be a chain connected to ring that 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.