JAPAN 1910 Meiji Menuki Necklace With Shakudo In 14Kt Gold 24Kt Gold & Bronze
Exceptional Shakudo necklace with Japanese Menuki.
This is a fabulous one of a kind Shakudo necklace created in Japan during the Meiji period, back in 1910. The necklace has been crafted in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with brushed finish, chiseled 24kt gold and blackened patinated bronze (niiro). The twenty decorative fan-shaped elements are genuine Japanese Menuki depicting organic motifs, such; birds, trees, plants and leaves. The menukis are original parts, all of them recovered from genuine antique Japanese sword from the Edo period (1603-1864). The pieces are created with exceptional Shakudo (mix of metals) technique, with blackened bronze and carefully chiseled with rich yellow gold of 24 karats.
Country: Imperial Japan.
Period: Meiji 1880-1890.
Weight: 59.5 grams, (38.14 Dwt).
Measurements: The fan's shaped elements are 29 mm by 19 mm (1.14 x 0.75 Inches).
Size: The length is 18 Inches, (71.12 Cm).
Hallmarks: Unmarked as usually seen and electronically tested for 14Kt and 24Kt gold.
The Menuki
In Japanese (目貫) is one of the multiples parts of a katana sword. They are decorative ornaments that are woven under the Tsuka-ito (the handle wrapping), originally made to hide the mekugi pins that secure the blade to the tang. they are normally positioned forward on one side and back to the other to fit the palm grip.
Shakudo
This is a Japanese alloy used in sheet metal inlay or wire inlay. The technique involves inlaying gold, silver, and copper into a darkened copper base. Usually, Shakudo is composed of 75% copper and 4-25% gold and 5-20% antimony. The word "Shakudo" first appears in records of the Japanese "Nara" period (710-784 AD), but it is not clear to what it referred (it could have been some form of copper, or a form of the now-known material). There are actual pieces known from the 12th century onwards. Shakudo was historically used to construct or decorate Japanese sword "nihonto" fittings such as tsuba, menuki, and kozuka, as well as other small ornaments, sliding door catches, and small boxes.
Meiji Period
This is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keiō era and was succeeded by the Taishō era, upon the accession of Emperor Taishō.
Collateral: This Shakudo necklace is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this Shakudo necklace is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: N020225ANNM/.7865
