A pair of earrings created from antique shakudo elements dating to the Meiji era, circa 1890, featuring finely detailed bat motifs. Shakudo, a traditional Japanese alloy of copper and a small amount of gold, is prized for its distinctive dark patina and was widely used in high-quality Japanese metalwork during the nineteenth century. In Japanese culture, bats are considered symbols of good fortune and happiness, making them a particularly meaningful decorative motif.
These antique components have been thoughtfully transformed by our jeweler through the addition of 14K gold backs and ear wires, preserving their historic character while creating a wearable contemporary design.
Each earring measures approximately 1.4 inches from the top of the ear wire to the bottom and 0.5 inches wide. Together, the earrings weigh 8.60 grams and remain in great condition with well-preserved details throughout.
Material identification has been confirmed through professional examination, consistent with traditional Meiji-era shakudō construction and craftsmanship. Metal authenticity has been professionally verified using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis and traditional jeweler’s acid testing, confirming solid 14K gold construction for the ear wires and added gold components.
