A late 19th century Japanese irogane or mixed metal disc depicting a golden snail amongst foliage, inset to a rose gold mount and lattice engraved curved square-shape silver surround.
In the 1870s the Japanese government abolished the rights and privileges of the samurai. By 1876, the government forbade anyone outside the military to wear swords even if they were of samurai lineage. With this the need for the manufacture of swords and sword fittings abruptly stopped and so the skilled artisans turned to making trinkets and panels that the West turned into various forms of jewellery and object d’art including this charming brooch.
The snail symbolises patience, perseverance and protection. He reminds us that life is about the journey rather than the destination and to get their in our own time.
Among Native American tribes, the spiral design of a snail’s shell symbolises the cosmic journey of life and the interconnectedness of all existence. This spiral is associated with cycles, transformation, and the flow of universal energy.
Marks:
Apparently unmarked with regard metal or maker.
Date:
Late 19th century.
Length:
2.5cms.
Condition:
Wear to the raised areas of the central panel.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.
A late 19th century Japanese irogane or mixed metal disc depicting a golden snail amongst foliage, inset to a rose gold mount and lattice engraved curved square-shape silver surround.
In the 1870s the Japanese government abolished the rights and privileges of the samurai. By 1876, the government forbade anyone outside the military to wear swords even if they were of samurai lineage. With this the need for the manufacture of swords and sword fittings abruptly stopped and so the skilled artisans turned to making trinkets and panels that the West turned into various forms of jewellery and object d’art including this charming brooch.
The snail symbolises patience, perseverance and protection. He reminds us that life is about the journey rather than the destination and to get their in our own time.
Among Native American tribes, the spiral design of a snail’s shell symbolises the cosmic journey of life and the interconnectedness of all existence. This spiral is associated with cycles, transformation, and the flow of universal energy.
Marks:
Apparently unmarked with regard metal or maker.
Date:
Late 19th century.
Length:
2.5cms.
Condition:
Wear to the raised areas of the central panel.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.