Japanese Export Silver Dragon Pendant
Jewelry - Pendant · Unknown Japanese Silversmith (indicated by the 'B' mark/retailer stamp), manufactured during the Meiji or Taisho periods for the export market.
Pattern: Orientalist Dragon Motif; a common 'High Relief' dragon pattern used in Japanese export jewelry and hollowware popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Type
Jewelry - Pendant
Maker
Unknown Japanese Silversmith (indicated by the 'B' mark/retailer stamp), manufactured during the Meiji or Taisho periods for the export market.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or high-purity Japanese 'Jungin' (Pure Silver) equivalent, often tested between .900 and .950 silver.
Dimensions
Estimated dimensions: 3-4cm in height; estimated weight: 5-10 grams. This size is consistent with late Victorian/Edwardian era watch fobs or architectural pendants.
Description
An evocative example of Japanese export silver, this pendant features a lung (dragon) amidst stylized clouds. The piece showcases the dramatic depth and motion for which Japanese smiths were famed after the decline of the samurai sword industry. The serpentine body of the dragon is expertly rendered through piercing and surface texture.
Key Features
Signature 'B' hallmark; distinctively hand-cut openwork; matte textured background contrasting with polished relief elements; East-meets-West export styling.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or high-purity Japanese 'Jungin' (Pure Silver) equivalent, often tested between .900 and .950 silver.
Finish & Decoration
Features a textured, matte 'pear-skin' (nashiji) background with high relief (uclid) dragon elements. The design utilizes traditional Japanese metalworking techniques like repoussé and hand-chasing to create depth.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Contains a circular mark featuring a stylized 'B' and a larger, block-style 'B' stamp. These likely represent a Japanese exporter or a Western importer/retailer mark (e.g., associated with firms like Gump's or Japanese export houses).
Construction Details
Hand-pierced and chased from a silver sheet. The irregular cutouts suggest hand-sawing (fretwork) rather than die-striking, typical of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Functional Features
Openwork design allowing movement and light passage; likely fixed with a jump ring or bale at the top for suspension on a chain.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (Pendant). No handle elements; the reverse side shows typical flat-back finishing with strike marks from the hallmarking process.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior hand-finishing is evident in the jaggedness of the internal cutouts, indicating the use of a jeweler's saw rather than a machine punch; excellent attention to the scales and whiskers of the dragon.
Authentication Indicators
The 'B' stamp is a known but sometimes elusive export mark; the deep relief and characteristic texture of the silver are consistent with authentic late 19th-century Japanese workmanship.
Origin & Manufacturing
Japan, likely produced in Yokohama or Tokyo workshops specializing in export metalwork for the European and American markets.
Era & Period
Meiji (1868-1912) to early Taisho (1912-1926) period. This era saw a massive influx of 'Japonisme' style items into the Western market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1920 based on the style of the 'B' stamp and the specific aesthetic of export-grade dragon jewelry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Japonisme' movement that influenced Tiffany & Co. and Christofle. The dragon in Japanese culture symbolizes wisdom, strength, and protection.
Condition Notes
Grade: Very Good. Visible surface tarnish in recessed areas; minor scratches consistent with age. No evidence of repair or structural cracks in the delicate piercings.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the clarity of the maker's identification and the weight of the silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft horsehair brush and mild soapy water to remove dust from crevices. Use a silver polishing cloth for high points only to maintain the contrast of the oxidized recessed areas.
Similar Pieces
Often compared to pieces by Miyamoto Shoko or Bisansha, though those typically carry specific kanji marks. Competitor items include Chinese Export Silver (CES) pendants, which tend to be more linear and less three-dimensional.
Interesting Facts
After the Haitorei edict of 1876 banned samurai from carrying swords, highly skilled metalworkers pivoted to creating jewelry and hollowware for Western tourists to survive.
Notes
Chinese or Japanese dragon symbol pendant