The butterfly became one of the defining motifs of the Aesthetic Movement, symbolizing beauty and transformation (for obvious reasons). This wide gilt bangle is decorated with engraved grasses and applied scattered butterflies. Dating to around 1890, it captures the era's move away from fussy, heavy Victorian design and towards organic, natural forms. The gilding has worn gently over the last century plus, giving the piece a mellow patina.
MATERIALS: gilt low grade silver (roughly 60%),
AGE: c. 1890
CONDITION: Very good - gilding is fading in places
SIZE: 6 1/2" inner circumference, 1" width