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Extremely fine 22ct gold articulated fish, ruby cabochon eyes

Fine antique 22k gold fish with red eyes

£250.00

Extremely fine antique 22k gold moving fish with natural red gemstone cabochon eyes

The articulated fish made in precious metal is a motif that originated in old Chinese culture, where it symbolised the wish for more of what one desires: luck, wealth or children, for example. The fish were first made as vinaigrettes, their heads opening to hold perfumed cotton, protecting the owner from the malodours of inner city life. Eventually the moving fish was adopted as a jewellery motif and scaled down to be worn as a charm.

This spectacular example is crafted of the highest carat of yellow gold and is Indian in origin. It doesn’t move in the way of a typical articulated fish; at rest she sits with a beautiful curve, and when you go to move her you realise her body and tail are articulated to move upwards, so she straightens in a most sinuous and majestic movement that is highly unusual and quite fascinating. Her eyes are set with wonderful mellow red cabochons that blaze out from the yellow of the gold, possibly untreated rubies. Her lip is set with a fine fixed gold loop ready for your chain. Her body is lightly textured, and her flowing tail is scored with pretty pattern detailing.

Measures approximately 5.4cm in length

Gross weight: 2g

Unmarked 22k gold

Condition: very good

Out of stock

Category: Fish

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