While digging through an old cupboard, I stumbled upon a small box tucked behind a stack of faded books. Inside were delicate glass tubes—thin, colorful, and each with a tiny metal hook attached.

At first glance, I assumed they were odd trinkets or perhaps parts of a forgotten craft project. Their size and fragility made them feel precious, though their purpose remained a mystery.

Curious, I showed them to an older relative, who smiled with recognition. “Those are miniature vases,” she explained, “men used to wear them in their jacket pockets.” It was a revelation. These weren’t just ornaments; they were part of a quiet tradition of style and subtle expression. Each glass tube had once held a single flower, a gesture of elegance that needed no words.