<I>Bouquet holder, leaf motif, tripod feet</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with straight handle and tripod feet. The vase of the bouquet holder is formed from intertwining leaves and thick vines. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle, has a decorative skirt and connects to a length of chain attached to a ring. 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. The handle is columnar with applied leaves at the top and bottom. Below are three silver oak leaves which are extended to form the stand when a ball-shaped extension of the stem is pushed up forcing the leaves into a horizontal position. This would allow the bouquet holder to act as a free-standing table or mantle ornament.