
This oval silver locket is decorated with two tiny insects with bodies made of mother an pearl an shell in a technique known as 'shibayama' and engraved feet and antenna.
The term shibayama is used for decorations of raised, inlaid materials, often in precious metals such as gold and silver. To create these little insects, their outline is carved into the surface of the locket. Then the materials for the inlays were shaped, carved and polished so as to fit precisely into the vacant space, creating a very lifelike, slightly raised effect.
Jewellery that was inspired by Japanese culture and using Japanese techniques became very popular from the 1860s onwards.
This locket was created in the second half of the 19th Century. Unlike China, Japan did not trade with the western world until the second half of the 19th Century, which created an added mystery to this ancient culture. It is likely that this locket was created in Europe as an homage to Japanese culture.
There is also an engraving of what looks like Japanese script, but which does in fact not spell anything out.
The inside has a picture frame with its glass missing, so can be used to store a personal memento, or a new glass could be added if you would like to display a picture.
It will be shipped with the silver necklace which can be seen in the last picture, which is 45 cm long.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 58 x 36 mm, including the jump ring.
Weight: 14.92 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1880s.
Material: Acid tested as being silver.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. There is a faint dent on the exterior of the locket near one of the feet of the lower insect, which is not very visible when worn. The back has some faint scratches. The original glass inside the locket is missing.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.