<I>Bouquet holder, ball ornaments, mother of pearl handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded metal bouquet holder with mother of pearl handle. The funnel-shaped vase is comprised of mesh bands with small fleur-de-lis and large hemispheres around the upper portion. A short length of chain connects a floral pin to the side 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 spindle handle is made from turned mother of pearl. 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. A second length of chain connected to a ring is attached to loop around the tip of the handle. 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.