<I>Bouquet holder, feather vase, enamel handle</I>

ca.1830-1920

Gilded vase with a blue enamel handle. The upper portion of the vase is fabricated from four repeats of elongated bands, which alternate between a stamped feather design and thin ribbon-like strips that loop over the lip of the vase. The centers of the ribbons are stamped and remnants of light blue enamel are present. The bowl of the vase is designed with elaborate metalwork on either side of two entwining bands, one with white enamel and dots and the other is smooth with green enamel. Small loops below connect to a ringed neck band with vertical-line bands alternating with enamel bands, and plain rings. The topmost band connects a chain attached to a pin that would have been inserted through holes near the top of the vase in order to secure the posy in the holder. The second band connects the vase to a tapered handle. The handle is comprised of dark blue enamel on copper sheet with gold and silver paillons. It is capped with a gilded brass ball stamped in two pieces. A loop for attachment of a chain and finger ring was soldered on the bottom, however both are missing. This feature 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.