Vintage 1950s Japanese K24 Damascene Aden Souvenir Bracelet – Gold Silver Inlay Palm Trees Camels
Description
A wonderfully unusual vintage Japanese damascene panel bracelet, created as a souvenir of Aden and believed to date from approximately the 1950s to early 1960s.
The bracelet is formed from articulated rectangular blackened metal panels, each individually decorated with intricate gold and silver-coloured inlay. The atmospheric scenes depict palm trees, camels, pyramidal mountains, water and traditional buildings. One particularly striking panel shows a landmark or tower above the words “ADEN K24”.
Aden, now part of Yemen, was an important British-controlled port until 1967, and this bracelet may originally have been purchased by a traveller, merchant or member of the British armed forces stationed there.
Although the imagery is Arabian, the workmanship is characteristic of Japanese damascene jewellery. In this traditional technique, designs are incised into blackened steel and embellished with extremely fine gold and silver wire. The “K24” inscription refers to the fine-gold decorative inlay rather than to the bracelet being made from solid 24-carat gold.
The articulated panels sit beautifully around the wrist, while the warm gold-toned backs, concealed fastening and safety chain complete the design. An exceptionally evocative piece of mid-century travel jewellery and a particularly interesting collectable associated with the history of Aden.
Features
Genuine vintage Japanese damascene bracelet
Approximately 1950s to early 1960s
Rare Aden souvenir subject
Blackened metal scenic panels
Gold and silver-coloured inlaid decoration
Palm tree, camel, mountain and architectural scenes
Signed “ADEN K24” within the design
Articulated panel construction
Concealed box-style clasp
Safety chain
Base-metal bracelet with fine decorative inlay
Unmarked for sterling silver or gold
Measurements
Please add:
Total wearable length: 7.5" (19cm)
Width of each panel: 0.75" (2cm)
Approximate internal circumference: 7.5"
Condition
Good vintage condition with age-related wear throughout.
There is surface scratching and some rubbing or loss to the black finish and inlaid decoration, together with tarnishing, patination and plating wear to the gold-toned metal, particularly across the backs of the panels. These signs of age are visible in the photographs and contribute to the bracelet’s authentic vintage character.
