<I>Bouquet holder, feathers in tulip shape</I>

ca. 1830-1920

This vase is made up of six feathers splaying outward that create a lily-like cup. Each of the feathers has a central vein running up the plume with etched diagonal lines that extend to the jagged edges of the feather. The smooth spine contrasts with the pebbly surface of the barbs of the feather. These alternate with short segments bent at their tops. A pin without its chain is inserted through two holes in the vase in order to secure the flowers inside. The vase connects to the handle with two registers of curved feathers that are simpler than those of the bowl. The curved, tubular handle is hand engraved and capped with a ball. A double-rimmed knurled finger ring on a curb chain is connected so the bouquet holder could be worn on the finger or attached to a chatelaine at the waist.