<I>Bouquet holder, red handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded brass bouquet holder with red ivory handle. The small vase is formed from single, pierce-cut sheets stamped and joined at the sides. The lip of the vase is crown-like with alternating acanthus leaf and grape cluster ornaments. The lower portion of this ornate vase features Gothic Revival ornaments, which are representative of the interest in historicism which characterizes much of nineteenth century design. Near the top are holes opposite one another for the floral pin. The pin is connected by a round-link chain connected near the base of the vase. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The neck band, which connects the vase to the handle, has a textured surface of stamped dots. The spindle handle of the bouquet holder is made of turned ivory that has been dyed red. A ring on a second length of round-link chain is clasped around the base of the holder so that it could be worn about the finger or hung from a chatelaine about the waist.