This late Georgian / early Victorian brooch is set with a rectangular mother-of-pearl plaque, decorated with one of the most intricate pieces of hair work that I have ever sourced.
The brooch is fitted with a metal pin and has three bales at the top, making it also wearable as a pendant.
Human hair has been used to create a landscape with two weeping willows on a river bank, with a village and two bell towers visible in the distance. The scene has an incredible 3d quality, especially the branches and leaves of the willow have been masterfully executed.
In the 19th Century, and especially during the era's before photography, it was relatively common to commission a jewel that incorporated the hair of a loved one. Hair was seen as an innocent and sweet token to keep the memory of a family member of friend close: hair work was therefore not only reserved for the use of mourning jewellery.
Hairwork can therefore be found in many antique jewels, from relatively simple designs to the little artwork seen in this example.
The depiction of two weeping willows, however, does point to this brooch being worn as a mourning jewel.
The weeping willow is also associated with grief and mourning in Western countries. It is common to find these trees engraved on tombstones. The tree is also associated with immortality and rebirth, and was therefore often depicted as a symbol of the endurance of love and family, triumphing over death.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 43 x 36 mm / 1.70 x 1.42 inches.
Weight: 22.65 grams.
Age: 19th Century, late Georgian/ early Victorian era, circa 1840s.
Material: the jewel does not carry any hallmarks but has been tested as being at least 9k gold: this is below the legal gold grade in some countries. The brooch pin is made from metal.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age.
Please note that this shop is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to VAT and/or import taxes.