Japan, Empire. A Kiji Senshi (Pheasant and Warrior) Shakudo Bracelet

(木 地 戦 士 赤 銅). An intricate and exquisitely detailed hand-made bracelet using the ancient Shakudo jewelry-making technique, consisting of a Shakudo silver alloy, with a total of nine circular links, each link with an intricate pattern on the obverse with a matching link on the opposite side, fastened together via a single chain-link on the upper and lower sides, with fine gilt accents on each of the links, measuring approximately 175 mm in length, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: After Japan was forced to trade with the west from the 1850s, its influence on the arts and jewelry was profound. “Shakudo” refers to the type of Japanese metalwork consisting of a dark metal alloy made using a variety of metals, including silver and copper. The craft lies in the amazing, subtle mixed-metal work of former samurai sword makers who were forced to make export wares to survive in post-feudal Japan.