Herbarium No.
100
Scientific Name
CHRYSANTHEMUM
Common Name
Mum, chrysanth
Type
Cufflinks
Place
USA
Date
1920s
Collected by
Unknown
Material
585/1000 gold 14 ct, enamel
Size
13,5 mm
Total Weight
7,5 grams
Condition
Good
Price
Sold
The name “chrysanthemum” refers to the Ancient Greek: χρυσός chrysos (gold) and ἄνθεμον anthemon (flower). Depicted on these cufflinks are indeed golden flowers; stylized chrysanthemums
Most species of chrysanth or ‘mum’, the common name, originate from East Asia.
The chrysanth is, according to Confucius, one of the ‘Four Gentlemen‘ (the other ‘Noble Ones’ being the plum blossom, the orchid, and bamboo), each representing a season.
In Asia, a white chrysanth also represents adversity and grief. In most western countries the flower represents truth and honesty. In the United States, last but not least, the flower is usually regarded as cheerful. A suitable bloom for any occasion.
The cufflinks are mechanically engraved. With this decorative technique, guilloché, repetitive patterns are made with an engine turning machine. This type of decoration is -sometimes covered with transparent enamel- more often used for watch cases and jewellery. Around 1900 the technique was made famous by the Russian master goldsmith Fabergé.