Victorian Japanese Shakudo Locket Pendant in 18ct Yellow Gold and Copper

A highly decorative Victorian rectangular Shakudo locket each side featuring exquisitely detailed inlay and alloy metalwork in 18ct yellow gold and copper. One side depicting a traditional Japanese sailing boat upon the sea with Mount Fuji in the background, a bird flying and clouds floating in the sky. The reverse with sprays of flowers and foliage, with a single bird amongst the undergrowth. The hinged locket opening to reveal a rectangular compartment. All suspended from a pendant bale with openwork scrollwork interspersed with granular details. Circa 1875-1880. In 1854 Japan opened its trading doors to the USA followed by Europe which exerted a great influence on the decorative Arts, ceramics, fabrics and artisanal crafts that would start a craze for all things Japanese. Following the revolution of 1866 and continuing civil unrest the Japanese Government forbade the wearing of the traditional Samurai sword. These greatly admired swords adorned in Shakudo or Shibuichi (silver & copper) were made by highly proficient and revered craftsmen, adroit in intricate and elaborate metalwork. By 1875, the Japanese artisan sword-makers had turned their skills to producing European pieces applying their fine techniques to foreign jewellery.