Shakudo Oni

Meiji period shakudo button pendant depicting an Oni roasting corn.c.1880

The button shows a comical Oni (Demon) carefully roasting skewered corn as a subversion of his malicious intent.These depictions of demons on Japanese metalwork was believed to ward off other evil spirits.

9 ct gold frame and bale.

3 cms diameter.

Shakudo is a traditional Japanese alloy consisting of mostly copper combined with a small percentage of gold. When chemically treated, it develops a highly prized, deep patina.Precious metals such as gold and silver are then carefully inlaid.