Our cat in basket pendant also doubles as a silver cat pin, making this a wonderfully versatile and whimsical piece that features our artisan carved fossilized ivory and rich black onyx.
Zealandia jewelry is inspired by the natural world and by the personalities of the creatures we depict. Each piece tells a story from the animal's life or captures a moment in time that encompasses a common feeling. Our cat in basket silver pendant/pin imparts a healthy dose of whimsy with its folk art inspired lines and symbolic theme.
The cat sits contentedly fishing in a state of total fulfillment. He has caught his fish and yet he is satiated enough to let it dangle, transcending the survival cycle of desire and temporary satisfaction. The cat is safe in his basket-like boat: supported, cradled, and secure. This carved ivory pendant conveys a pared down, meditative feeling.
The cat is carved from fossilized walrus ivory, which is some 500-3,000 years old. Most of the walrus ivory's long life is spent underground where minerals stain it a variety of cream to cocoa shades. It is a prized natural material rich in history. As the earth colors this fossilized ivory, the exact shade in your silver cat pin may vary from what is pictured here.
A fossilized walrus ivory fish finishes this piece - symbolic in that the fish and cat are 'made' of the same stuff. Our Cat with Fish pendant's hand carved details make it an heirloom treasure you'll delight in wearing either as a necklace or as a pin.