1890s Victorian Japanned Paste Bow Buckles

Two lovely bow motif mourning slide buckles from the late Victorian period. The mountings are Japanned with a flat satin, almost gunmetal-tone finish. This technique, originating in Japan, India, and China, involves coating metal with a shiny black or dark gray lacquer. It was popular in Victorian mourning jewelry after Queen Victoria went into mourning for Prince Albert.

Victorians used symbols to express sentiment, as emoting was considered improper. The bow symbolized eternal love, making these buckles a token of affection from the gift-giver.

1 1/8 inches by 1 1/8 inches. The opening for the ribbon is best suited to a maximum of 5/8 inch width and is designed to slide onto fabric shoe ribbon, mourning ribbon, hat ribbon, sash, or belt.