A source for early 20th century Japan jewelry hallmarks?

[pearlygirl]

I have a pair of what I believe to be 1920s Japanese cufflinks in the style of Damascene or possibly Niello. I think they are Japanese because of the importance of the Chrysanthemum in the culture, the bamboo supports behind the flowers and the shape of the boats on the back plate. All designs are delicately scratched into the metal. I do not have a testing kit yet, so do not know the content. The cufflinks each have this single mark. I do not know if it would be the creator's mark or a metal content.





I have not been able to find a resource for Japanese or Asian hallmarks from beginning of the last century. I have looked for Japan hallmarks, but have located many websites with this information. I would appreciate any research links or books you might use in your research.

Thank you for your time.

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

I can't add much to what you have already stated, except to say that the mark is not a hallmark. Japan did have a State control mark for precious metals as from 1928, a flag that contained a circle.

I guess your research should continue along the road that this is the mark of the manufacturer.

Should you find any details outside of the forum please keep us informed.

Regards Trev.