Unusual c19th shakudo pendant depicting a group of insects cicada, a praying mantis, a cricket, a butterfly and a wasp.c.1870.
Set in 15 carat gold mount.
1 inch diameter.
Japanese shakudo work involved intricate mixed-metal inlays of gold, silver, and copper into a darkened base.
Originally used for samurai sword fittings (such as tsubas and menuki), it became a popular jewelry material in the late 19th century after the samurai were disbanded.