Description
A sumptuous, early English Arts and Crafts brooch, skilfully hand-crafted and detailed, attributed to the husband and wife team of the Gaskins, Birmingham. Crafted in the c1900 era, this brooch is beautifully executed with what seem to be mistletoe leaves draped over much of the structure. The Gaskins did occasionally use different leaves as their inspiration and certainly Bernard Instone, for example used them, when executing pieces under the tutelage of the Gaskins. The central opal is a beauty and, as you can no doubt see, it is super fiery in its colour shifts.
Five typically-Gaskin shaped flowers are arranged around the opal, in the foliage and each has been set with a small blister pearl. This is such an organic and naturalistic brooch, which really is delicate in design. Sometimes it is easy to forget how difficult it is to make leaves look so fragile, when working with a hard (and unforgiving) material such as metal. This has been achieved beautifully with this piece. Each Gaskin piece was different and unique so it is also lovely to think you are getting a one-off piece of historic art jewellery.
The brooch measures approx 4.3cm by approx 3.5cm. All original. A little wear to one blister pearl but that is all I am able to spot. In super condition for 125 years old!
I shall send in a gift box by Special Delivery within the UK or else by International Express courier. Boxes in the images are for display only and are not included. Thank you.
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