<I>Bouquet holder, leaf and flower motif</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with short, curved handle. The funnel-shaped vase is comprised of pierced flowers and leaves with textured surfaces. At the base of the vase, two short lengths of chain are attached to the side of the vase. The first attaches to a floral pin, which would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The second chain has a filigree sphere-shaped charm hanging from it and terminates in 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. The handle of the holder is short with scroll termination.