Victorian "Willow Pattern" Locket & Book Chain
Cool Victorian locket and book chain necklace featuring the iconic Chinese Willow Pattern. Crafted in sterling silver and dating from the latter half of the 19th century, it's a particularly unusual example of the style - while these are, unlike the ubiquitous blue plates, often seen with aesthetic designs in the Japonesque style, I've never seen an example with the Willow pattern, and it's so delicately executed with each element from the story picked out as clear as day*. The chain features beautiful engravings of its own and fastens with a large bolt ring clasp allowing it to be worn with the locket or on its own without it. English, circa 1880.
Despite its idyllic appearance, the story behind the Willow Pattern is one of star-crossed lovers. According to Chinese legend, Koong-se, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy Mandarin, had fallen in love with Chang, her father's (low-born) assistant. When he found out, the Mandarin banished Chan and built a large fence around his property to keep the young lovers apart. He also arranged for Koong-se to marry a rich and powerful Duke, who arrived bearing a box of jewels for his bride. On the eve of the supposed wedding, Koong-se and Chan escaped with the jewels to a far away island, where they lived happily for years. However, the Mandarin later learned of their refuge and sent his henchmen who captured the lovers and put them to death. The Gods, moved by their plight, immortalised the lovers as a pair of doves which can be seen flying together at the top of the Willow Pattern.
*the fence, the apple tree, the banquet hall, the bridge chase, the maid's house, the boat escape, the house, and the two doves, and of course the willow
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Locket size: 6.0cm (including bail) by 3.6cm
Chain length: 18 inches
Marks: None, tested as silver
Condition: Great antique condition, light wear consistent with age
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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).
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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/scrape are 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.
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