Exceptional vintage Shakudo necklace with a Japanese Menuki. A great piece of art, created probably in Italy around the 1960 to 1970. This colorful necklace is carefully assembled and crafted in 18 karats yellow gold. with multiples natural Sardinian red coral beads (2 mm) strands. The main central decorative element is a genuine Japanese Menuki, depicting two dressed man's carrying a courtesan lady in a royal bunk. These piece is embellished around, with the same coral beads matching the strands. The menuki is an original part from a sword of the Edo period (1603-1864), created with exceptional a Shakudo (mix of metals) hammered metalwork and is carefully chiseled with copper, bronze. silver and gold. This necklace has a total weight of 131.8 grams and an average length of 15 to 16 Inches (38 to 40 Cm). The decorative main element has a square measure of 40 mm (1.58 inches). Stamped, with the European gold assay hallmark, ".750". The menuki (目貫) is one of the multiples parts of a katana sword. They are decorative ornaments that are woven under the Tsuka-ito (the handle wrapping), originally made to hide the mekugi pins that secure the blade to the tang. they are normally positioned forward on one side and back to the other to fit the palm grip. Note: Shakudo is a Japanese alloy used in sheet metal inlay or wire inlay. The technique involves inlaying gold, silver, and copper into a darkened copper base. Usually, shakudo is composed of 75% copper and 4-25% gold and 5-20% antimony. The word "shakudō" first appears in records of the Japanese "Nara" period (710-784 AD), but it is not clear to what it referred (it could have been some form of copper, or a form of the now-known material). There are actual pieces known from the 12th century onwards. Shakudō was historically used to construct or decorate Japanese sword "nihonto" fittings such as tsuba, menuki, and kozuka, as well as other small ornaments, sliding door catches, and small boxes. Condition: The overall condition of this pair of necklace is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All the gemstones, are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity. Collateral: It is accompanied with the original designer's jewelry box. INVENTORY REF: N0000ATNM/3.168
