Vintage Japanese Damascene Bird and Flower Pendant Necklace

Description:
An open ring of dark chocolate damascene circles a small swinging disc. Gold inlay traces a long-tailed bird, leafy vines and a zigzag border on the ring, and a single blossom on the disc, like a moon held in orbit. Japanese damascene of the 1960s–1970s often carried these delicate nature motifs, inlaid in gold against oxidized steel. The center drop moves freely with every step. It hangs from a fine faceted gold-tone chain.

Materials:
Gold-tone metal, damascene steel with gold inlay

Details:

• Era: 1960s–1970s
• Markings: Small gold seal mark inlaid at the top of the ring
• Style/design notes: Open ring pendant with a free-swinging center disc; long-tailed bird, vine and blossom motifs
• Stone or material notes: Gold inlay on dark brown damascene steel, prong-set in gold-tone frames
• Function: Spring ring clasp
• Color: Dark brown, gold
• Condition: Good vintage condition, with surface scratches and tone wear on the back of the pendant
• Measurement: 18.5" chain

Collected by Mineral and Matter