During the mid-19th century, Japan opened trade with the West for the first time in more than 200 years. The exotic Japanese imports that were sent to Great Britain and America inspired an intense fascination with Japanese art and culture. by the 1870s, the French term Japonisme had been coined to describe the influence of Japanese aesthetics on the culture and fashion of the West. The musical The Mikado by Gilbert & Sullivan opened in New York in 1885, and Japonisme became a craze.
Shakudo is a technique adopted by Japanese craftsmen, in which gold and copper is treated to develop a black patina that resembles lacquer. This hefty, two-sided locket depicts a rickshaw filled with flowers. Attractive and charming, it makes quite a statement piece perfect every day wear!
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 1.5"
Weight: 30.72 grams
Materials: 9K gold, copper
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear