Rare Aesthetic Movement Hand Etched Silver and Gold Brooch c1890s

This is a superbly designed Victorian sterling silver and gold overlay brooch in a very unusual asymmetrical shape, composed of three different shapes overlapping each other. The curved fan shape has a hand etched design overlaid with green gold of a crane in a water landscape. Below is a rectangle, decorated with an ornamental quilting pattern and a rose gold butterfly by water rushes. Then a circle etched with an eight pointed star. The back of the brooch may have had a glass locket cover, but perhaps not. Unmarked as many pieces of this era are, it has been tested to be silver with 9ct colored gold. Dimensions are just over 1 1/2 inches across and 1 3/8 inches high. The piece weighs 6.1 grams. In fine antique condition, the original c-clasp is secure, the pin is steel.

This is a rare and superb example of the art of the Aesthetic Movement, beautifully crafted and strikingly modern.

Item ID: AJ-349