<I>Bouquet holder, plumes</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with straight handle. The funnel-shaped vase is formed of an intricate network of pierced plume-like leaves. The neck, which connects the vase to the handle, is a hemispherical shape acting as a cap for the top of the bell-shaped vase. Attached to the join below this is a round-link chain that is connected to a simple 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 hexagonal with panels stamped with a column of foliate motifs facing in alternating directions. A large-ball finial completes the design.