Mother-of-pearl Tussie Mussie, Bouquet Holder, Circa 1850

Tussie Mussie with carved mother-of-pearl handle. The smallgilded metal vase is decorated with birds, flowers and foliage. Two beautifully crafted chains link the vase and the handlethe handle to the bouquet-fixing needle and the finger ring to the finger ring. Length: 5,70 inches. In perfect condition. French work, circa 1850.

Note on the porte-bouquet: The use of the porte-bouquet first appeared at the court of Versailles under the reign of Louis XIV and developed throughout the 18th century. In those days, flowers were worn clothes and hair. To keep the flowers fresh and fragrant, bouquet holders took the form of flasks concealed in blouses or worn over clothing. In the 19thcentury, the practice of carrying flowers led manufacturers to create new types of bouquet holder. The bouquet holder with a vase and with a handle, sometimes with a chain connected to a ring. The ring is is attached to a finger or a chatelaine and holds the bouquet holder in place. A system is used to secure the bouquet in the "vase", the simplest being the bouquet-holding needle. Sources : Catalog of the "Porte-bouquets" exhibition at the Musée Cognacq-Jay2005.