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

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with faint enameling and mother of pearl handle. The funnel-shaped vase is comprised of openwork scrolls and foliate forms and set with glass stones. The vase has a crown-like rim with stamped decoration. A short length of chain connects a floral pin to the base 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 stick-stem handle is made from tapered mother of pearl with a fluting and baluster shape. 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.