Vintage Japanese Damascene Hoop Earrings

Description
A pair of 1950s Japanese damascene earrings, each an open circle that widens toward the base like a crescent moon. Gold inlay on the matte black ground traces pine boughs, blossoms, and a bird in flight, with fine line work between. The technique sets precious metal foil into a finely scored surface, a craft long associated with Kyoto. Light and flat, they hang easily from simple wire hooks.

Materials
Gold-tone metal with black and gold damascene inlay, gold-tone ear wires

Details

• Era: 1950s
• Style / design notes: open circle crescent hoops in Japanese damascene (zogan) work; pine, blossom, and bird motifs
• Stone or material notes: gold inlay on matte black ground, prong-set in gold-tone frames
• Function: pierced, wire hooks
• Color: black and gold
• Condition: Great vintage condition, with light surface scratches to the gold-tone backs
• Measurement: 1.25"

Collected by Mineral and Matter