Japanese Kirin Sterling Silver Statement Pendant
This pendant is one of the most slender and detailed pieces in my Culture Shock collection. Its long, narrow shape follows the figure of a Japanese kirin, rising through the silver in a continuous pattern of curves, scales, folded limbs, and small carved details.
I made it after a photograph of an old Japanese bone netsuke. I studied the original closely, then carved my own model in wax, trying to preserve the character of every line before casting it in sterling silver by the lost-wax technique. The polished surface catches the light along the raised edges, while the deeper cuts keep the ornament clear and give the pendant its strong relief.
The kirin came to Japan from Chinese mythology and became an auspicious creature in Japanese art. Its appearance was associated with good rule, peace, and the arrival of an exceptional person. Japanese netsuke carvers also used the kirin as a subject, fitting its elaborate body into a small sculptural form.
I like the combination of elegance and strangeness in this image. The creature feels ancient, composed, and slightly beyond the ordinary world. With its polished silver and intricate carving, the pendant has the presence of a small sculpture made to be examined closely.
The silver casting is hollowed out on the back, which reduces weight and makes the pendant more comfortable to wear.
Size: 2.35 × 0.8 in (6 × 2 cm)
Weight: 25.5 g
Shipping: UPS
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