Ashmolean Museum Oxford
The Bill Skinner Studio
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
Materials: 100% brass with Rhodium plating
Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.4 cm
Shipping to United States of America is currently suspended for the foreseeable future.
The de minimus exemption for orders under $800 going to USA ended on Friday 29 August 2025. Please bear with us while we update our systems to accommodate the new tariffs and duties.
Christmas Delivery Dates
Please be aware that during busy periods, such as Christmas, it may take us longer than normal to respond to enquiries and to dispatch orders.
We recommend placing your order as early as possible to avoid disappointment. These are the recommended last dates for placing your order:
UK delivery – midnight Wednesday 17 December 2025
International delivery – midnight Wednesday 10 December 2025 (delivery times may be affected by customs clearance)
There will be reduced staffing over the Christmas holidays, so any online orders placed after midday Monday 22 December will be dispatched after 5 January 2026.
Our Pickup service is a convenient way for you to order online and collect your purchase in person at the Museum. Simply select the Pickup option at checkout.
The Online Shop team operates between Monday-Friday 10:00-16:00, so please allow time for us to prepare your order for collection or delivery, particularly at busy times of the year. We aim to have your order ready for collection/delivery within 72 hours.
The Museum will be closed on 24, 25, 26 December 2025, and 1 January 2026.
UK 1st Class: delivery 2-5 business days from dispatch
Europe: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Rest of World: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Please be aware that orders to International addresses may be subject to local customs duty or taxes. You will need to pay any additional charges for customs clearance, charges include local VAT and duty based on the value and origin of the product.
There is 5kg weight restriction for UK orders, and a 2kg weight restriction for International orders. If your order exceeds this weight, please contact the Online Shop team so that we can organise a quote for special delivery: onlineshop@ashmus.ox.ac.uk
Further information on our delivery options and returns policy can be found in Shipping & Returns.
The profit from your purchases helps fund the running, collection and care of the Ashmolean Museum, which is free to enter and offers more than 1000 tours, workshops and lectures each year. By shopping with us today, you are helping support everything that we do.
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