During the Victorian era, Western design aesthetics blended with influences from Japanese art and culture, including the use of the traditional shakudo technique in jewelry making. Originating in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868), shakudo involves alloying gold and copper to create a distinctive material known for its rich, dark patina and surface detailing. Adopted by Victorian jewelers enamored with the exotic allure of Japanese art, shakudo became popular in Europe during the mid-19th century. Victorian Japanese shakudo jewelry typically features intricate designs depicting scenes from Japanese mythology, nature, and folklore, rendered with exquisite detail and precision. Some Arts & Crafts jewelry makers were also known to employ the shakudo technique in their designs. The resulting jewelry pieces are characterized by their impressive fusion of Western elegance and Japanese artistry, with the finest examples still prized by collectors for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and enduring beauty.
