A horizontal cast silver brooch in the shape of a scarab beetle with its wings spread on either side. The wings contain eight drop-shaped enamel panels of iridescent blue and green, while the central body is enameled in a vibrant blue. Two silver antennae curl from the top of the beetle's head to adjoin with the outstretched wings.

There is one other image of this object. See our image rights statement.

See more objects with the tag display, women's fashion accessories, symmetry, enamel, personal adornment, silver, stylized, iridescent, scarab.

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Object Timeline

1907	Work on this object began.
2013	We acquired this object. We photographed this object.
2015	We photographed this object.
2018	We exhibited this object.
2024	You found it!

Winged scarab Brooch

This is a brooch. It was made by Charles Horner Ltd., English, 1867-1984. It is dated 1907 and we acquired it in 2013. Its medium is cast silver, enamel. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

This jewelry by Charles Horner, whose Halifaxbased factory produced high quality silver items for the middle market, shows iridescent enamels in green and blue tones popular in the early twentieth century. The use of the moth motif reflects French art nouveau inspiration and multi-colored enamel replicates the iridescence of genuine insect wings.

It is credited Gift of Harry C. Sigman.

Hair Ornament (China)
kingfisher feathers, lacquer, silk-covered wire.
Gift of William Dangaix Allen.
1939-73-11

Scarab (USA)
mold-blown favrile glass.
Museum purchase through gift of K.R. Gerry.
1958-51-1

Box
lapis lazuli, calibre-cut and other diamonds, frosted rock crystal, jadeite,....
Lent by Private Collection.
13.2016.92

Our curators have highlighted 2 objects that are related to this one.

A small rectangular vanity case, in a horizontal orientation with thick beveled sides of lapis lazuli provides the canvas for an ornate blue and back enamel and gold design adorned by an encrusted clasp of jewels. A gold border surrounds the top while a thicker gold border with a repeated gold scalloped pattern occupies the uppermost part with a small area draped on both upper sides. A blue enamel inverted stepped pyramid design outlined in gold rests beneath. The clasp below consists of an original floral symmetrical design encrusted with a large centered faceted triangular diamond, two abstract geometric emeralds on each side, three lozenge shaped rubies atop the triangle and one on each side, flowers embellished with faceted round diamonds throughout, planted in a pot of two emerald-cut diamonds surrounding an emerald of the same cut set horizontally. The connecting side of the clasp has a larger setting for two emerald-cut rubies surrounding an emerald-cut diamond. This beautiful vanity case could easily fit into the palm of your hand while feeling coolness from the lapis lazuli. The photograph captures the object positioned on a diagonal with the right side lower than the left and a cast shadow reflecting the object on a white surface and ground.

Vanity Case, ca. 1925
enamel, lapis lazuli, gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, platinum, mirrored....
Lent by Private Collection.
13.2016.35

The enamel on this vanity case, which stands on point, is deep blue in the style called guilloché. In the center is a large square lozenge, also on point, made of diamonds with a carved jadeite Buddha in the center. In each of the four corners there is scrollwork in black enamel topped by a round of carved jadeite with two pear shaped diamonds per round. Inside the case is a writing tablet, mirror, lipstick holder and pencil. Both the lipstick holder and pencil can be removed.

Vanity Case, Buddha
guilloché enamel, carved jadeite, diamonds, cabochon sapphire, enamel,....
Lent by Private Collection.
13.2016.32

Its dimensions are

Height x Length: 1.9 x 4.4 cm (3/4 x 1 3/4 in.)

It has the following markings

On underside; C.H in a rectangle, Chester town mark, sterling, and illegible date possibly 1909.

Cite this object as

Winged scarab Brooch; Made by Charles Horner Ltd.; England; cast silver, enamel; Height x Length: 1.9 x 4.4 cm (3/4 x 1 3/4 in.); Gift of Harry C. Sigman; 2013-21-26

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Iridescence.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/5yUcx/
Accession Number 2013-21-26
Object ID 51685165