Ashmolean Bear Cub Charm

Cuddle-up with this unique antique silver Bear Cub charm. This piece has been inspired by a well-loved Japanese painting on display at the Ashmolean.

For lovers of historical artefacts, this bear cub has been replicated in minute and delicate detail. Just simply clip the charm onto our special charm necklace or bracelet, and mix and match with other exquisite pieces from the Ashmolean's collections.

Each charm is sold separately, and you can find a link to the rest of the charms collection by clicking here.

This charm has been inspired by the painting of a black bear cub in the snow by Japanese artist Mori Shūhō (1728–1813). The small bear with blue eyes looks directly out at us as he sits uneasily on a ledge amid the snowflakes. Shūhō was a member of the Mori school of painters who specialised in lifelike, endearing depictions of animals. The Mori painters specialised in painting realistic, soft-looking fur.

This work comes from an album of paintings and calligraphy by various artists, an artistic trend which was popular in early-19th-century Japanese art. These albums were made for all sorts of reasons; to celebrate someone’s venerated old age, to wish a friend farewell, for an exhibition; or to commemorate a meeting or visit.

The Bill Skinner Studio is a British-based jewellery designer who captures magnificent animals and natural subjects in exquisite detail. Skinner launched his namesake brand with a collection of remarkably charismatic and distinctive pieces in 2012. Inspired by the natural world, the team work from their studio in Kent and hand-carve every delicate piece to ensure that the utmost detail is obtained.

Credit: Mori Shūhō (1738–1813), Black bear cub in snow. Ink and colour on silk