A very unusual design to this good-sized antique Japanese Meiji era piece, comprising a shakudo scene with pierced design to the front, and a silver back which bears a partially rubbed English assay mark for 1907 - this would have been done when it arrived as an import as-is, or after backing in silver by an English jeweller.
 
The shakudo depicts a figure in the flowing robes typical of a historical nobleman, probably of the daimyo class, bearing what looks like a family crest symbol ('kamon'). His robes, and the branches of the plants and flowers around him, seem to swirl fluidly as though blown by the wind - a scene full of motion and character! Yet the figure seems serene, and the scene harmonious.
 
The shakudo is largely treated to give a dark colour, with areas highlighted in a more coppery or gold shade which is all shakudo, just treated differently on the surface. The crests appear to have been delicately picked out in silver overlay. The silver of the backing is polished to a very smooth shiny finish which glints out from between the details of the shakudo. The detailing and shapes are very crisp. It has quite a slim coin-like profile with the silver being a backing more than a mount. The top hanging loop is 9K gold.
 
Our favourite detail is the little mushrooms sprouting up from the ground! 
 
If this depicts some particular scene from mythology or folklore I can't identify it, but I like to think of it representing a state of flow or oneness with nature, or perhaps weathering the storm.
 
You won't find anyone else wearing one of these...!
 
MEASUREMENTS: 1 5/16" diameter. 7.5g in weight.
 
CONDITION: Very good, wearable antique condition - please view all close up photos and video. Any display boxes/chains are shown for photography purposes only.