Shakudo bracelet

A exceptional example of a Shakudo bracelet, circa 1870’s. Shakudo work is a mixed metal inlay technique highly prized during the Edo era for decorating samurai sword hilts. When the wearing of such swords was banned in 1876, Shakudo artists turned to producing items of jewellery, which found great appeal with the Western market. The bracelet contains six circular Shakudo panels, illustrating tranquil scenes of bird and flowers depicted in gold, silver, and copper. My favourite is the whimsical panel depicting a frog in a carriage smoking a pipe, the carriage being drawn by another frog. The frog symbolised safe travel and returns. The birds depicted, cranes, quails, and pheasant, were revered in Japanese culture as symbols of longevity and prosperity. The bracelet panels are set in 15 carat gold. The bracelet is 7 and 1/4 inches in length and each Shakudo panel measures 3/4 of an inch by 3/4 of an inch. Immaculate condition, Japonism at its finest.

£8500
Item ref : ST7