Vintage Japanese Shakudo Butterfly Pendant Necklace — 1950s

A 1950s Japanese Shakudo butterfly pendant — its dark patinated surface inlaid with gold depicting a traditional Japanese landscape of pagodas, pine trees and birds in flight — paired with an unused 1980s chunky gold-plated wheat chain from the warehouse that supplied the great British department stores of the era. Shakudo is one of Japan's most revered metalworking traditions: a copper and gold alloy treated with a centuries-old patination process to produce its distinctive deep black surface, against which gold inlay reads with extraordinary precision.

The contrast between the warm gold chain and the dark, intricate Shakudo pendant is immediate and entirely compelling. Two very different traditions, one extraordinary result.

Dead-stock vintage. An unworn item that has been stored for an extended period of time. Found in an untouched since the '80s warehouse that supplied the likes of Liberty, Harrods, and Selfridges.

DETAILS

• Material: Gold-plated wheat chain, Shakudo butterfly pendant with gold landscape inlay
• Design: Chunky wheat chain with 1950s Japanese Shakudo butterfly pendant depicting traditional landscape
• Length: 40 cm
• Era: Pendant 1950s, chain 1980s unused — redesigned
• Condition: Chain unused, exceptional vintage condition; pendant used, good vintage condition.