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Hi,

Please could someone help me identify the makers mark on this item, see images. It is a butterfly made from two shells and white metal. It is 10" across by about 4" high, and I assume made in Japan about 1900.
Many thanks,
DaveJ

Chinese actually I think, given the resemblance to other marks impressed on pewter and silver. Surname is Zhang, first name Sen.

Hi Rat & DaveJ,

I'm a day late but wish to vote for Chinese origins too. I'd also speculate that the item may be a hair ornament.

A quick Google search turned up nothing I could spot on the name Zhang Sen that appeared to be connected to antique metal ornamentation. The name would be transcribed "Changsen" in Japanese, but does not seem to be common in Japan.

Here's a picture of a Chinese pewter box with another such fanciful insect.

Regards,

Bill H.

Bill,

Many thanks for the helpful reply, do you think my item could still be a hair ornament considering it is almost 12 inches in diameter.

DaveJ

Rat,
Many thanks for the helpful reply.

DaveJ

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