<I>Bouquet holder, jeweled, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded brass(?) vase with green glass stones. In the style of the eighteenth century, the stamped metalwork creates an ornate frame for in which two oval mirrors would have been set, as well as creating the other two sides of the vase. The mirrors, sometimes called flirting mirrors, would have allowed the lady to check her face or spy on what was happening behind her. Below, green glass stones are inset into the curvaceous forms. These sides alternate with two repeats of Rococo Revival style motifs with a central green glass “gem.” A pin on a chain is attached to the vase. It would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of the bouquet to secure it in the holder. The neck is stamped with a four-dot diamond pattern and crescents on a vertical-line background and attaches the carved mother of pearl handle. Mother of pearl handles retained a cool feeling longer than some other materials; because of this, they were said to be appropriate for warmer months. The shaft, which is carved with graduated rings, is missing its end. There would also likely be a chain connected to ring that 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.