Bespoken Silver and Gold Necklace with Japanese Tengu Mask by Mary Ann Scherr

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Description

A Japanese Hanataka Tengu Necklace by American artisan jeweler Mary Ann Scherr (1921-2016).
The highly unusual pendant features a handcrafted … Read more A Japanese Hanataka Tengu Necklace by American artisan jeweler Mary Ann Scherr (1921-2016).
The highly unusual pendant features a handcrafted Hanataka Tengu, a long-nosed, red-faced goblin Japanese yōkai (spirits). These Shinto deities are renowned for their swordsmanship, martial arts, and magical trickery. The silver mask was lacquered red with white thick eyebrows, lively bulging eyes and a severe looking expression. Transformed into a samurai in appearance, the deity dons a silver and gold helmet set with a round cabochon cut emerald set in the center with suspending knotted gold chain, a large round tablet fashioned from carnelian and long tiered silver fringe. The gold fringes and neck plate has fine chased design and gold nails were used as a wonderful detail.
The pendent measures about 10.25 inches and it is suspended from a box link chain (total open length is about 20.25" long and completed with a hook and eye clasp. The silver was intentionally patinated with the tips of the hanging fringes polished. The gold surface remains shining. The back of the pendant is stamped Scherr / Sterling / 14K / 14K. Total weight is 5.17 troy oz.
Provenance: Personal Jewelry Collection of the late Mary Ann Scherr, Raleigh, North Carolina
Mary Ann Scherr (1921 – 2016) was an American designer and metalsmith. She was known for her jewelry design and industrial design. Her work can be found in the permanent collections of major museums including the Vatican Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Museum of Art, and many others of note. Moving to North Carolina in 1989, she shared ownership in Raleigh's Roundabout Art Collective. See less