Junya Watanabe MAN x dip AW2005 Silver Skull Ring Pair, Corso Como Exclusive, Japanese Sizes 18 and 8, with Case

A rare pair of solid silver skull rings made by the Tokyo jewellery label dip for Junya Watanabe MAN and MAN Pink in Autumn/Winter 2005, offered only through 10 Corso Como, with the original box.

The Piece

In Autumn/Winter 2005 Junya Watanabe's MAN and MAN Pink lines released a small joint capsule, and part of it was a pair of skull rings made with dip, the silver label of jeweller Kiyoshi Ohgaku, then one of the most sought-after names in Tokyo jewellery. They were sold through 10 Corso Como Comme des Garçons and are understood to have barely reached the shop floor, which is why they are almost never seen today.

The two rings are a matched pair in different scales: the larger measures about 32 x 32 x 22 mm and weighs around 35 g, the smaller about 27 x 27 x 18 mm and around 21 g. Both are heavy, smoothly modelled skulls with deep eye sockets and a full row of teeth, cast in silver, with the hallmarks set to the sides of the shank so they can be resized without loss.

The larger ring is Japanese size 18 (about US 8.5), as originally made. The smaller was resized from about Japanese 5 to 8 (about US 4.5). The backs of the skulls are hollow, so both wear one to two sizes larger than marked; a jeweller can adjust either.

They come in the original black Junya Watanabe MAN ring box, a striking piece of Comme des Garçons accessory history.

Details

• Designer: Junya Watanabe MAN and MAN Pink x dip (Kiyoshi Ohgaku)
• Season: Autumn/Winter 2005
• Model / ref: Skull ring pair, 10 Corso Como exclusive
• Material: Silver
• Colour: Silver with natural patina
• Made in: Japan
• Tagged size: Japanese 18 (about US 8.5) and Japanese 8 (about US 4.5, resized)
• Measurements: Large 32 x 32 x 22 mm, about 35 g · Small 27 x 27 x 18 mm, about 21 g
• Included: Both rings and the original Junya Watanabe MAN ring box

Condition

• Worn for several seasons; vintage condition consistent with age.
• Light tarnish and small surface scratches; silver can be polished at any time or left to age.
• The smaller ring has been professionally resized from Japanese 5 to 8.
• No cracks or structural damage noted.

Condition grade B on the Japanese scale; see Japanese condition ranks, explained.

Authenticity & Care

The labels, materials, stitching, hardware and construction are examined together and documented in Japan before dispatch; anything that cannot be confirmed is stated plainly in the description. Every piece carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee. Store in the box away from air when not worn, and polish with a silver cloth only if you prefer a bright finish.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Every sale is final; please ask anything before you buy, and see our published policy.

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