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

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with straight handle. The funnel-shaped vase is comprised of a pierced design of stamped flowers, leaves, berries, and vines. Two short lengths of chain are attached to the base 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 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 straight hexagon handle is etched with linear designs and capped with small ball finial. The handle widens as it descends with beading strips and ends in a point.