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

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with mother of pearl handle. The small, openwork vase is comprised of a baroque foliate design. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle, has a short length of chain connected to a ring attached to it. 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 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.