<I>Bouquet holder, tulip shape, filigree</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver filigree bouquet holder. The upper portion of the vase is composed of ten petals with a network of filigree volutes, swirls, and concentric ellipses joined by two stacked diamond plaques. There are two well defined holes opposite one another for a floral pin, which attaches to the handle by a short length of chain. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. A neck band connect the upper vase and handle portions. The handle portion is filigree and the interior is open so it acts as part of the vase. When a bouquet is placed inside, the stems of the flowers would extend the length of the bouquet holder. The handle terminates with a sphere of concentric oval panels. A large loop on the end connected a chain that would likely have attached to a 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.