<I>Bouquet holder, Greek key motif</I>

ca. 1830-1920

Silver-plated brass bouquet holder with loop handle. The vase of the bouquet holder incorporates a Greek key motif, set at a slight angle with sweeping tendrils both above and below which creates a crown like lip. The pierced design was stamped in three repeats. Both the scrolls and Greek key designs have applied silver beadwork tracing their forms. This mixture of classical, curvilinear, and natural motifs is representative of the interest in historicism and the natural world which characterizes much of nineteenth century design. There is a large hole for a floral pin at a join near the top of the vase. This pin would be used to pierce the stems of the bouquet to secure the flowers in the holder. The handle begins with a closed blossom and leaves, the stem of which loops up and curls around the base creating a ring. A fragmentary chain comprised of loops alternating with flower-stamped links is attached to the bud on the handle. This chain might have been connected to the floral pin or ring, which 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.