<I>Bouquet holder, mermaid motif</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with straight handle. The elaborate, pierced vase is comprised of two mermaids among leaves and scrolls with applied beading. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle, is a hemispherical shape acting as a cap for the top of the bell-shaped vase. Attached to the join below this is a round-link chain that is connected to a simple ring. 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 hexagonal with panels stamped with a column of foliate motifs facing in alternating directions. A large-ball finial completes the design.