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

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with mother of pearl handle. The funnel-shaped vase is comprised of four, pierced panels creating an ogee rim. Each panel has two round and two demilune cutouts and stamped decoration. Large hemispheres join the upper sides of the panels together, and this decoration is complimented by silver spheres hanging from the lower, circular cutout. Above the banded neck, which connects the vase to the handle, is a twisted ring of silver. The spindle handle is made from turned mother of pearl. 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.