Provided is a display element which is drivable with simple components and at a relatively low voltage and exhibits high display contrast, enhanced white display reflectance, superior response speed and reduced image unevenness. The display element includes opposing electrodes having therebetween an electrolyte containing silver or a compound having silver in the chemical structure, wherein the opposing electrodes are driven by a drive circuit disposed for each of pixels so that the silver is dissolved and deposited and the opposing electrodes are provided on a plane separate from the drive circuit.