Story
This late 19th century sterling silver bangle represents a quintessential expression of the decorative style known as Japonisme.
England and Europe took the delicate and serene motifs from Japan and applied them to the art of jewelry. Nature and in particular birds, water and landscapes, insects and small animals served as inspiration.
In this bracelet, a single panel employs a top and bottom band along with a circular raised area and incised design to divide the scene into vignettes. Rose gold and yellow gold over silver decorate the appliqued elements, including the two birds.
Stylized bamboo and branches support a yellow gold bird as well as a rose gold one. One may be wren. A partial circle is engraved with a checkerboard, often also seen in the art of Asia.
On the two outer edges of the front are placed orbs of silver in a beaded line. The reverse is polished and plain and a safety chain secures the bangle.