Antique Japanese shakudo bracelet, c1875
This wonderful example of a shakudo bracelet combines exquisite work in the Japanese panels with skilled, understated mounting into a sturdy sterling silver bracelet by a western jeweller in about 1875.
The name shakudo comes from the dark alloy commonly used in this type of metalwork, and seen here in the background of each scene.
The earliest examples are from about this time, handcrafted by master metalworkers who previously made sword fittings.
When Japan was forced by the United States to open its borders the old feudal system disappeared, along with samurai soldiers and their elaborate weapons.
The metalworkers turned their skills to making wares for the export market. As there was no jewellery in Japanese culture the decorative plaques were exported and then set by gold and silversmiths in England, America and Europe, often into jewellery, but sometimes into menu holders and other sundry items.
Early examples like this are often the finest in quality. As the decades passed the old skills became more diluted until the style devolved into secondary costume jewellery in the early 20th century.
An unusual detail in this bracelet is the curve in each panel, lending itself to the bracelet shape in a way that more commonly seen flat shakudo examples do not.
View a YouTube video of this bracelet here
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING, TRACKED AND INSURED
FREE RETURNS WITHIN 14 DAYS
• Handmade in mixed alloys including shakudo and gold, set in sterling silver mounts
• Just over 6 1/2 inches (17cm) long, 1.4cm (just over 1/2 inch) wide
• Weight is 42 grams
• In excellent antique condition – it comes from the collection of Karen Deakin Antiques
• Will come in a gift box (our antique boxes are not for sale)
• Note: the other antique jewellery has sold
The photos are true to life – they’re our attempt to put this jewel into your hands. Please examine them carefully as they form part of the description.
Buy with confidence: we accept returns within 14 days if you’re not delighted with your purchase. Stock can be viewed by appointment at a secure location in central Sydney.
We’d be very happy to send more information and images.
Layaway available – just ask!
This wonderful example of a shakudo bracelet combines exquisite work in the Japanese panels with skilled, understated mounting into a sturdy sterling silver bracelet by a western jeweller in about 1875.
The name shakudo comes from the dark alloy commonly used in this type of metalwork, and seen here in the background of each scene.
The earliest examples are from about this time, handcrafted by master metalworkers who previously made sword fittings.
When Japan was forced by the United States to open its borders the old feudal system disappeared, along with samurai soldiers and their elaborate weapons.
The metalworkers turned their skills to making wares for the export market. As there was no jewellery in Japanese culture the decorative plaques were exported and then set by gold and silversmiths in England, America and Europe, often into jewellery, but sometimes into menu holders and other sundry items.
Early examples like this are often the finest in quality. As the decades passed the old skills became more diluted until the style devolved into secondary costume jewellery in the early 20th century.
An unusual detail in this bracelet is the curve in each panel, lending itself to the bracelet shape in a way that more commonly seen flat shakudo examples do not.
View a YouTube video of this bracelet here
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING, TRACKED AND INSURED
FREE RETURNS WITHIN 14 DAYS
• Handmade in mixed alloys including shakudo and gold, set in sterling silver mounts
• Just over 6 1/2 inches (17cm) long, 1.4cm (just over 1/2 inch) wide
• Weight is 42 grams
• In excellent antique condition – it comes from the collection of Karen Deakin Antiques
• Will come in a gift box (our antique boxes are not for sale)
• Note: the other antique jewellery has sold
The photos are true to life – they’re our attempt to put this jewel into your hands. Please examine them carefully as they form part of the description.
Buy with confidence: we accept returns within 14 days if you’re not delighted with your purchase. Stock can be viewed by appointment at a secure location in central Sydney.
We’d be very happy to send more information and images.
Layaway available – just ask!
This wonderful example of a shakudo bracelet combines exquisite work in the Japanese panels with skilled, understated mounting into a sturdy sterling silver bracelet by a western jeweller in about 1875.
The name shakudo comes from the dark alloy commonly used in this type of metalwork, and seen here in the background of each scene.
The earliest examples are from about this time, handcrafted by master metalworkers who previously made sword fittings.
When Japan was forced by the United States to open its borders the old feudal system disappeared, along with samurai soldiers and their elaborate weapons.
The metalworkers turned their skills to making wares for the export market. As there was no jewellery in Japanese culture the decorative plaques were exported and then set by gold and silversmiths in England, America and Europe, often into jewellery, but sometimes into menu holders and other sundry items.
Early examples like this are often the finest in quality. As the decades passed the old skills became more diluted until the style devolved into secondary costume jewellery in the early 20th century.
An unusual detail in this bracelet is the curve in each panel, lending itself to the bracelet shape in a way that more commonly seen flat shakudo examples do not.
View a YouTube video of this bracelet here
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING, TRACKED AND INSURED
FREE RETURNS WITHIN 14 DAYS
• Handmade in mixed alloys including shakudo and gold, set in sterling silver mounts
• Just over 6 1/2 inches (17cm) long, 1.4cm (just over 1/2 inch) wide
• Weight is 42 grams
• In excellent antique condition – it comes from the collection of Karen Deakin Antiques
• Will come in a gift box (our antique boxes are not for sale)
• Note: the other antique jewellery has sold
The photos are true to life – they’re our attempt to put this jewel into your hands. Please examine them carefully as they form part of the description.
Buy with confidence: we accept returns within 14 days if you’re not delighted with your purchase. Stock can be viewed by appointment at a secure location in central Sydney.
We’d be very happy to send more information and images.
Layaway available – just ask!
