The ‘Aesthetic’ era - 1885-1901 - is a period during the Victorian years where jewellery was inspired by simple naturalistic themes including birds, bees, leaves and sometimes Japanese / Japonesque styled elements such as bamboo, fans and related scenes.

This amazing locket has these elements in abundance.  
Finely etched to the front with a central motif of a Japanese fan encircling a bird and floral motifs and surrounded by more of the same stylistic elements and a wee bee or butterfly also!

Large at 6.5cm with the inverted V shaped bale and opening to reveal two compartments to store a treasured photo or two. (Read condition report).

The collar is as exceptional as the locket.  Beautifully etched to every ink with a single exquisite floral motif and, to the reverse, plain and lovely for a more sedate look if desired.

History Of Japonesque Style

Towards the second half of the 19th century, Japonesque became an important inspiration for painters, writers, decorative artists, and fashion designers including Van Gogh, Gustav Klimat, Oscar Wilde and so forth.   By the late 1870s, luxury retailers began catering to Aesthetic taste. Liberty's of London sold elegant versions of Aesthetic dress, while Tiffany's of New York sold handcrafted luxury items in the 'Japonesque' style.  Tiffany was known for Japonesque-style silverware and for diamond jeweller.

The fascination and influence of Japanese culture and design did not only include jewellery; vases, dishware, vanity boxes, furniture and decorative arts were also strongly inspired.  For more than 40 years, it would continue to inspire the furthest reaches of the design world: tea sets by Hermès, silver and cloisonné centerpieces by Boucheron, embellishments for the trunk maker Louis Vuitton, lacquer dressing screens by the Irish-born, Paris-based architect and designer Eileen Gray, jeweled brooches by Lucien Gaillard, glass by René Lalique and wallpaper designed by the legendary Art Deco interior designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann.

STONES
None

ERA
Victorian 1837-1901

MEASUREMENTS
Locket - 5cm x 4cm - Without bale - With bale 6.5cm

WEIGHT
49 Grams

MARKS
‘ST.S’ to many links on collar
Tested via XRF as Sterling silver

CONDITION
Very very good antique condition.  Chain is lovely, no wear in-between links, engraving is crisp and clear.  Locket has no dents, opens and closes well.  One internal rim missing and no panes,  easily replaced with a clear from plastic if needed.  Stunningly beautiful antique locket and collar.

Please note boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.