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

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with curved handle. The openwork vase features grape clusters, leaves, and vines. A loop-ended floral pin attaches to the upper portion of the vase. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle is comprised of alternating flowers on thin stems and textured leaves. The curved, tubular handle is hand engraved and capped with a ball. An embossed finger ring on a short length of chain is connected so the bouquet holder could be worn on the finger or attached to a chatelaine at the waist. The handle bears the inscription “John to Lucy” engraved in cursive script.