A scarce and intricate silver posy holder or Tussy Mussy from 19th century India featuring a floral, filigree design with three legs and original chain and pin.
The posy holder is a lady's accessory in silver, resembling a small vase. It was used as a fashion ornament for a young lady to hold the flowers brought by a courting gentleman caller. To show her acceptance of him, she skewered the flowers into the posy holder with a long pin and wore the holder in a social setting such as a ball. Attached to her hand by a chain and a ring, it swung free while they danced.
Dimensions: 14cm H