Japanese 19th Century Shakudo Brooch

This is a beautiful brooch which features a cockerel, spider, ducks and a snail. The material is copper which has been surface coloured. The copper alloys contain a small percentage of gold and are called ‘shakudo’, which in Japanese literally means ‘black gold’. Shakudo harmonizes well with golden yellow, silverA metallic element which is malleable and ductile, and white in colour, making it ideal for use in jewellery. It is usually mixed with copper to improve its hardness.
white and copper red colours which have been used in this example to great effect. It was made circa 1880.