19th Century Shakudo Wasp Pendant
The gold-gleaming wasp
peers out from a clump of oak
leaves and acorns.
This shakudō pendant was made in Japan in the mid-19th century, circa 1850. Shakudō (赤銅) is a Japanese mixed-metal alloy of gold and copper (typically 4-10% and 96-90% respectively) used for inlays and decorative purposes. As in this case, it's often carved and treated to produce a black patina before being inlayed with high-carat gold.
"In Japanese culture wasps are considered of cultural significance because they play a role in the nourishment of humans. They are viewed as being a healthy food that is rich in minerals and high in proteins used in many Japanese recipes. The first discovered historical record of wasps as food dates back to 1715. The ‘black wasp’ being the most collected and edible wasp (4).
"Not only are wasps seen as food, but in Japan, people also raise and care for wasps and have created an emotional attachment to them that is reflected in the names of their villages “愛好会 (aikōkai) which means ‘loving group’” (4). Additionally, in central Japan, wasp larvae are collected during the fall season. This activity is generational, as fathers and grandfathers of collectors have been using the same methods of collection for years. Folks have a unique way of collecting wasps and once they have their hives, many go home and begin processing the nests as a family. The layers of the nest are separated and the larvae and pupae are removed using tweezers which are later cooked for immediate consumption or frozen (4).
"Along with the relationships built between wasps and humans, the caring of wasps, and their part of Japanese culture nutrition, folks in Japan also have their own wasp nest contests that include more recipes with wasps as a central component. Wasp nest contests first took place in Shitara, Aichi prefecture, in 1990 (4). In these competitions, wasp collectors’ nests are weighed and sold. Participants also receive some sort of trophy/recognition from their community. A staple in these competitions is the food and being able to connect with their friends and community after the contest through enjoying local wasp cuisine. A popular local food is “五平餅 (gohei-mochi) —pounded sticky rice molded into an oblong shape on a cedar stick, brushed with a sauce made by grinding together wasp larvae, soy sauce, miso, peanuts, sugar, and fresh ginger root, and grilled over wood embers—and 蜂の子ご飯 (hachi-no-ko-gohan), rice steamed with wasp larvae” (4), among others."
Era: Tokugawa, circa 1850
Size: 3.9cm (including bail) by 4.5cm
Marks: None, tested as 23/24ct gold over shakudō alloy
Condition: Great antique condition; since photographing I've added an 8mm gold jump ring at the top
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
Shipping
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs charges a 10% "Reciprocal Tariff" on all parcels coming in from the UK.
We will pay this charge on your behalf and you will see it collected as a line item at checkout.
[Last updated: September 15th, 2025]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say :)
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of the page.
info@lostowl.com