Edo to Meiji Pure Silver Ojime Bead Kannon Dragon Metalwork Engraving Antique

Crafted during the historic transition from the Edo to the Meiji period, this pure silver ojime showcases traditional Japanese metalworking at its finest. An ojime is a small decorative bead once used to secure the cord on hanging pouches or inro worn with traditional Japanese attire. This particular piece features intricate chokin engraving depicting Kannon, the deity of mercy, alongside a dragon coiled around the form.

Late Edo and Meiji metalwork is admired for its detailed carving and artistic depth. During this era, skilled artisans adapted techniques once reserved for sword fittings to create fine personal ornaments, leaving behind a lasting legacy of wearable art. The pairing of dragon and Kannon carries deep symbolic weight in Japanese art, blending spiritual grace with strength.

This piece is made of pure silver. As an authentic antique from the Edo to Meiji era, it shows age-appropriate wear: visible scratches, rub marks, and surface dirt from long-term storage.