Antique Japanese miniature sterling silver photo frame from the Meiji Period (1868–1912), dating to the late 19th century.
A beautiful example of Japanese Meiji-period silverwork, entirely hand worked with an elaborate pierced openwork and high-relief design featuring two finely detailed three-clawed dragons.
The composition depicts two three-clawed dragons rising toward a flaming jewel, or “flaming pearl,” at the top of the frame. The dragon pursuing a flaming jewel is a traditional East Asian motif that was also widely represented in Japanese decorative arts. The jewel has strong Buddhist and auspicious associations and is traditionally connected with preciousness, supernatural power, and transcendent wisdom; related imagery is also associated with the wish-granting jewel. The flame-like forms surrounding the jewel emphasize its radiant and supernatural character. Here, the two opposing dragons create a particularly dynamic and beautifully balanced composition around this traditional symbolic motif.
The dragons are individually modeled with exceptional attention to detail, including finely worked scales, claws, heads, and flowing bodies. The intricate openwork construction and extensive hand finishing demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship associated with Japanese decorative metalwork of the Meiji era.
The frame retains its circular glass insert and folding A-form easel stand for tabletop display.
The frame is unmarked. The silver has been acid tested and tests at no less than .925 fineness (sterling silver standard).
The absence of a hallmark is not unusual for Japanese silver objects of this period. During the Meiji era, Japanese metalworkers produced highly accomplished decorative silver objects for both the domestic and export markets, and many surviving pieces were not marked with a standardized silver fineness mark.
DETAILS:
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji Period (1868–1912)
Date: Late 19th Century
Material: Sterling Silver – acid tested at no less than .925 fineness
Decoration: Two three-clawed Japanese dragons with flaming jewel
Technique: Hand worked, pierced openwork and high-relief decoration
Weight: approximately 32 grams including glass
Overall diameter: approximately 58.7 mm / 2.31 in
Photo opening: approximately 35.8 mm / 1.41 in
Markings: Unmarked
Very good antique condition with natural patina and age-related surface wear consistent with its age. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition and construction details.
A rare and beautifully executed miniature example of Japanese Meiji-period sterling silverwork.
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6. All stands, mounts and other accessories are used solely for photography purposes and are not included in the items sold unless otherwise noted.
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