Slide #5
of 36

In the late 1860s and early 1870s, the emergence of Japanese-inspired silver design gave the insect motif a rebirth. However, these early examples of Japanese-style products by American producers generally relegated insects to cameo roles. Furthermore, the insects were frequently of the less offensive variety. For example, on this example of Gorham's Japanese flatware pattern, the insect -- a graceful Mayfly -- is merely offered as an accent to the overall design.