This wonderful 15 karat yellow gold and Japanese shakudo brooch pin was crafted by the famous firm 'Castellani'. The Etruscan Revival style pin features to the centre an octagonal 'shakudo' medallion of a Japanese elder with a student which has been inset into an octagonal 15 karat yellow gold frame. Shakudo is a Japanese alloy of copper and gold which often has a darkened blue patina. The production of shakudo was seen mostly in the late 19th and early 20th century with there being several examples of Castellani incorporating shakudo into brooches and bangles. The octagonal shaped 15 karat gold frame features twisted gold borders and archaeological styled motifs which give the piece a distinct etruscan revival feel and look.
The name Castellani is synonymous with archeological revival and etruscan revival jewellery from the 19th Century. Founded in Rome by Fortunato Pio Castellani in 1814, his business is credited as being the first to initiate the archaeological revival movement in jewellery. The firm whilst originating in Rome also had workrooms and retailing spaces in Paris and London and continued to produce jewellery right through to the Art Deco era, ceasing to trade in 1930 upon the death of the last Castellani, Alfredo. Knowing he was the last Castellani and not having children of his own, Alfredo made plans upon his death to donate the vast family archive to museums around the world.
This absolutely charming brooch pin is in marvellous condition for its age and based on the marks present indicate its manufacture to be likely in the early 20th Century, not long before the house of Castellani ceased trade.
Marked - 'CASTELLANI' along with the 'CC' Castellani monogram
Measures - 3cm L x 3cm W
Total weight of piece - 8.75 grams
Independent appraisal values the piece at $16,547.