Dragon Eating Mask Brooch

Any thoughts on type of metal, symbolism, origin etc..
Thanks

 

Or, it could be a seahorse. Also, it reminds me of those creatures painted on old Italian pottery.

 

Well, there all kinds of dragons and serpents biting pearls and jewels. Can't find any holding a mask.

Just guessing the mask has something to do with masquerade or theater. (Or Zoro)

The word I was trying to think of about the creatures painted on Italian pottery is Raphaelesque or Raffaellesco.

 

As far as the metal...is it magnetic?
Gilt, gilded, gold wash...?

 

Not knowing the metal and because it's not one piece I'd say not fine, but really interesting. The modeling on the mask is really nice, not kitsch-y.

Maybe punched sterling? Can't quite make out the clasp.

 

The patina does look like the one I've seen on sterling pieces. The back pin is probably brass.

 

Show a picture of the clasp and how it works. People can hopefully pinpoint a time frame/era for you.

 

So, if it's gold plated sterling is called vermeil?

 

Venetian Carnival mask. Sea serpent.