THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS Did you know that during the 19th and early 20th centuries, “affection” was expressed with Mossy Saxifrage, Pear, and Sorrel? That “love” was expressed with Myrtle, Creeping Willow, Ambrosia, as well
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - Did you know that during the 19th and early 20th centuries, “affection” was expressed with Mossy Saxifrage, Pear, and Sorrel? That “love” was expressed with Myrtle, Creeping Willow, Ambrosia, as well as with Roses? That “marriage” was indicated by Ivy?
“How the universal heart of man blesses flowers! They are wreathed round the cradle, the marriage-altar…. How charmingly a young gentleman can speak to a young lady, and with what eloquent silence in this delightful language. How delicately she can respond, the beautiful little flowers telling her tale in perfumed words….Flowers should deck the brow of the youthful bride, for they are in themselves a lovely type of marriage….” From Collier’s Cyclopedia, Published 1883, New York.
The beauty of flowers has been greatly valued since the dawn of civilization. Symbolic meanings were given to plants from the earliest times, although not in the Western World until the end of the Middle Ages. In Europe, correspondence through flowers began the 1700’s, when Charles II of Sweden introduced the Persian custom referred to as the “Language of Flowers.” The advent of the Industrial Revolution and the reign of Queen Victoria (of England) combined to spread the idea of sentimentality with floral motif to the American continent.
So, in Victorian America, a gift of flowers held much significance; each blossom conveying a message. An entire conversation could be expressed through the exchange of flowers! Victorian homes, too, were elaborately decorated with floral motifs on the walls, furniture, paintings, utensils, and trinkets, jewelry, and accoutrements for the dressing table--among these, the Jewel Box.
Also called Jewel Casket or Trinket Box—a lady’s Jewelry Box was one of her most valued possessions, holding precious jewelry and memories. These delightful Art Metal boxes, often received as gifts of love, were decorated profusely with flowers of all varieties, providing special significance to the gift, and to the one who gave it.
THE JEWEL BOX BOOK: The Definitive Guide to American Art Metal Jewelry Boxes 1900-1925, is resplendent with history, pictures and a complete 1883 reprint of the “Language of Flowers” dictionary. Floral Motifs such as Acanthus, Lotus, Laurel, Rose, Poppy, Violet, Grapes, Daffodil, Cosmos, Clover, Hopps, Carnation, Lily, Water Lily, Lily of the Valley, Aster, Lotus, Buttercup, Holly, Fern, Fuchsia, Pansy, and many others pictured.
Express your affection and spirit of giving for ANY season. Give a beautiful book which hallmarks the Victorian Era’s love for flowers.
Hardcover: ISBN 0-9763710-0-6. Paperback: ISBN 0-9763710-1-4. www.jewelboxbook.com
