Japanese design had a formative influence on the Art Nouveau movement. Beginning in 1862 with the 2nd London International Exposition, such popular trade shows as the 2nd Paris International Exposition (1867), Vienna International Exposition (1873) and the Chicago International Exposition (1893) exposed a broad spectrum of Westerners to this centuries old, but sequestered, culture. Audiences were able to personally experience Japanese reverence for the handmade object, love of organic imagery and controlled passion for the exquisite. These qualities meshed seamlessly with the Art Nouveau style’s reaction against the material and social products of the industrial revolution and they appear in everything from Impressionist painting to the all the decorative arts of the period. “Japonisme” is evident in our delicate 19th Century sterling floral brooch, with its sinuous trailing line, asymmetry, accuracy of natural detail and fine workmanship. Like all travel jewelry, our pin’s use of gold-washed-silver, turquoise beads, marcasite, and the small gray pearl are meant to attest to the quality of the wearer who could afford to lose such an expensive reproduction en route. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: 2.5” x 1.75”.