Physalis Alkekengi is the Latin name for the Chinese or Japanese lantern plant. These plants are related to gooseberries and tomatillos, and each contain a berry covered by a husk. As these husks dry out naturally, they appear skeletal and let you see the fruit on the inside. Physalis Alkekengi plays a role in Japanese Buddhism with its representation of life within death in the fruit being revealed by decomposition.

This pendant has been hand-sawn and hammer-formed in an artistic representation of the decomposed structure of the seed pod. The petals cover half of the piece, while the other half is left open to see the gemstone inside representing the fruit. The “fruit” is hand carved and matte finished in Oregon carnelian.

Size & Length: 

Including the stem, the pendant measures 1.25 x .75 in. ( 34 x 22 mm). The chain measures approximately 22 in.