<I>Bouquet holder, peacock tail motif, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with mother of pearl handle. The vase is formed with an openwork design of curlicues, leaves, scrolls, and floral motifs. Along the top and bottom of the vase is an openwork band of stylized leaves done in broader fashion than the floral work. The handle is mother of pearl which flattens out at the base and is carved in the shape of a flower with its leaves. 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.