Story
The later years of the Victorian era are referred to as the Aesthetic Period. Focus had shifted from ornate archaeologically-inspired designs to those referred to Japanese or Asian-inspired aesthetics found in nature.
Captured at a moment in time, their scenes seem to project an equanimous serenity.
From 1883, this silver, hinged bangle bracelet combines rose and green gold over silver. Conveying nature and geometry, both appliques and engraving coalesce in a tableau of texture and shadow.
The impact of the Japonaiserie influence is apparent. An asymmetrical flower scape rests between hand-engraved checkerboard patterns. Raised botanical motifs of applied foliate and leaf designs serve as the focus, along with a butterfly that hangs in mid-air about to descend upon a bloom.