Topaz Ho ho bird

A Portuguese brooch, circa 1780, silver and close-set with colourless topaz and rubies, all gems in foiled and closed back settings. The subject is a rare motif in Portuguese jewellery, the mythical Ho ho bird, which was said to bring luck and good fortune, specifically longevity, fidelity and wisdom.  Ho ho birds first appeared on European works of art in the early 18th century. The bird’s wing has been pierced by a ruby arrow for love. The brooch is substantial, measuring 2 and 3/4 inches by 1.5 inches. There is an almost identical example in the National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon, illustrated on page 80 of Five Centuries of Jewellery [former convent collection]. In immaculate condition with no discoloured or replaced gems.

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photographed with an almost identical example in the Lisbon Museum

Ho ho birds in the Lisbon Museum