Antique 1860 Gilt and Mother of Pearl French Tussie-Mussie (Tussy-Mussy, or Nosegay)

Antiques > Misc. Antiques Dealer: Ziern-Hanon Galleries Contact: Ziern-Hanon Galleries - Email Dealer
Price: $3,500.00 USD  - Currency Converter Shipping inside United States: Quoted at time of purchase Shipping outside United States: Quoted at time of purchase

Description: A Beautiful Antique French, Silver and Mother of Pearl Tussie Mussie (posey holder) ca. 1860. The carved mother of pearl handle ends with an etched leaf and floral design. Is in excellent condition. More photos available upon request.

Size: 5.5" x 1.5"

A nosegay, posey (or posy), flower bouquet or tussie-mussie is a small bunch of flowers, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice to mask the unpleasant smells of the time - literally, to keep the nose gay (to keep the nose happy). In their current form, they rose to popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 onwards, at which time the tussie-mussie became a popular fashion accessory. Typically, tussie-mussies include floral symbolism from the Language of Flowers, and therefore may be used to send a message to the recipient. See the book entitled Tussie-Mussies, the Victorian Art of Expressing Yourself in the Language of Flowers, Workman Publishing, 1993.

Status: For Sale	Reference#: AC1011
Condition: Very Good	Year: c1860
Height: 5.5 in. (13.97 cm)
Width: 1.5 in. (3.81 cm)
Title: Antique 1860 Gold and Mother of Pearl French Tussie-Mussie (Tussy-Mussy, or Nosegay)

Dealer Policies: Ziern-Hanon Galleries Policy Details

Dealer Accepts: