Bog Oak Brooch ‘Clasped Hands’

This exquisite antique brooch, meticulously hand-carved from Irish bog oak, depicts two hands clasped beneath a finely detailed floral arch—a powerful symbol of friendship, loyalty, and remembrance.

Bog oak, fossilised wood preserved in Irish peat bogs for thousands of years, is prized for its lustrous, deep black colour and exceptional rarity. During the Victorian period (1860-1890), black jewellery transcended mourning to become a fashion statement in its own right. Crafted from materials like jet, bog oak, vulcanite, and pressed horn, these pieces served as deeply personal mementoes commemorating both the living and the departed.

This hand-shaped brooch, adorned with a bouquet of symbolic flowers, measuring 3.4cm high and 4,8cm wide, exemplifies the era’s sentimental aesthetic—where every detail carried meaning, and every piece told a story.

Specifications
Description: Irish Bog Oak
Condition: Original, very good
Colour: Brownish-black
Closure Type: C-Clasp
Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century
Dimensions: H3.4cm x W4.8cm x D1.8cm, approximately

PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing ‘new’, ‘perfect’ or ‘unworn items’, and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.