<I>Bouquet holder, tripod</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver filigree vase with tripod base. The vase of the bouquet holder is shaped like a pentagon. Each panel is adorned with filigree designs of a central stylized leaf surrounded by rectangular boarders and thin metal zigzagging strands. These straight panels connect to rounded-arched panels that bulge outward. They are formed with a palmette surrounded by thin members of interlinking silver threads. The base is connected to spherical assemblage of alternating leaves and flowers. Below this section, a chain attaches to a pin. This pin could be inserted through a small hole in the vase to secure flowers in the bouquet holder. A ring on a chain also connects at this point. The ring would allow one to wear it from the finger or attach it to a chatelaine at the waist. The handle of the bouquet holder also serves as a tripod stand. Three curved panels spring out, each with a foot at the end for balance. The form of the legs recall a blade of grass, and are elaborately ornamented with an interlacing diamond and dots pattern. The ring around the top of the legs could be slid down in order to secure the legs together, creating a straight handled bouquet holder.