Japan has been a country shrouded in mystery due to the culture and how closed it has been through out the centuries.
I teach many Japanese in my English classes and the students are the most eager to learn students. They try so hard because they dont want to fail or even be seen to fail. Decisions to act are very carefully considered and once a choice is made every effort is put into the task at hand.
The Wikipedia tells us that Ninjas were a group of mercenaries who were very covert in their actions. It was a closely guarded network and has only become more known as Japan opened more to the rest of the world in the last century.
Japanese Jewelry has many different styles from traditional to newer contemporary styles such as these.
Cartoons such a Manga style have become very popular in the last years and cutesie pieces as in my pic (sometimes quality leaves a lot to be desired) and Hello Kitty are common even with more mature ladies. The simple childlike "wonder" is still in place.
My Jewelry is still mostly on the bench. I am working with some Larimar which is very popular with Japanese people because of its colour. Sapphires and Rubies are also very popular in the Jewelry market for Japanese. Here is a piece that is completed. It is a unisex piece that would suit a man as well as a lady.Sterling Silver and Larimar. Simple, understated and very beautiful colour stone.
Please check out the other countries that the other participants researched and enjoy your virtual travel around the world.
If you leave a comment I will put you in the draw for a bundle of Larimar to wrap or string.
Thank you
Tanya
PS, Please excuse the brevity of my post.I have been really ill for the last two weeks. Thank you for understanding. Tanya
Your Larimar pendant is breath taking. I do so get a kick out of the fascination the Japanese have with My Little Kitty. Living in the Orlando area, I see her very often. Hope you are feeling better very soon! Hugs
ReplyDeleteThe Larimar is simply gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful in its simplicity! You've done a wonderful job setting that lovely stone. It reminds me of stone gardens and pottery.
ReplyDeleteI loved learning the history here! And, that it quite a statement piece! Larimer is such a beautiful stone, one that I don't too much in person (Makes me want to travel to the Dominion Rebublic to get some)! You did a beautiful job with your necklace - I love it!
ReplyDeleteTanya, I'm sorry you've been so unwell, hope you are feeling much better soon. The larimar pendant is lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Tanya, I had the opportunity to visit Japan a couple of years ago. It was an amazing trip and really gave me a new appreciation for Japanese culture. Thanks for sharing your take on it.
ReplyDeleteTanya, the blue of that larimar piece almost matches the blue in your first photo. I've visited different bloggers who chose Japan as their country and each has another facet of the culture that they emphasize. I think the larimar piece captures the simplicity, the "zen" of Japan's classic art forms. Sure hope you are feeling better soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you've been ill and hope you get to feeling better soon. Larimar is a beautiful stone and I can't wait to see what you do with it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling better, Tanya! The larimar is lovely! I look forward to hearing and seeing more from you in the future. Until then - feel better!
ReplyDeleteIntersting comment on Japanese culture. Your necklace is simply beautiful ;)
ReplyDeleteI love that piece. Larimar deserves to be found and center without a lot of do dads to detract attention from its beauty.
ReplyDeleteThis is an incredible blog hop! If people know me, they know I have an insatiable wanderlust and my DREAM is to travel the world one day.
ReplyDeleteI love anything having to do with different countries; the cultures, the people, the tradition, the food, languages...
I think you did an absolutely beautiful piece!
Miss Tanya, thank you for taking this journey with me. Japan is such a lovely country and I appreciate your insights from personal experience. I have never worked witj larimar but it looks like a pretty blue. O hope you feel better soon ! Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeleteYour post was fine! Ilike the pendant you made a lot.
ReplyDeleteI think I remember reading one time about Mount Fuji being the most represented mountain in art, I *think* it was something to do with it being visible across Japan... ah man I'm going to have to go look that up, sounds unlikely, but it's what popped into my head as I started to read. So from a glorious mountain to one large and beautiful stone, very fitting. Hope you are feeling better soon
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this post!! Larimar...............yum!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Tanya,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking me on your trip to Japan. I have always found Japan to be a very interesting place and the people that call it home as well. I am a person skilled in Karate so the Ninjas have always been a fasination to me. I love the simple Larimar pendant on a leather neck strap it is beautiful.
Therese
Tanya, I was struck by the statement in your first paragraph, about the personality of the Japanese people:
ReplyDelete"Decisions to act are very carefully considered and once a choice is made every effort is put into the task at hand." I am of an age to remember when the words, "Made in Japan" automatically denoted a cheaply made product (1960s & 70s). Now the home of some of the most admired companies on the planet, Japan has become a productivity leader by making those well-considered decisions and putting forth concerted efforts as a nation.
Your stately Larimar pendant is both lovely and unpretentious. It doesn't tolerate any distraction from its focus. It is a creation that honours the Japanese way.
I am anxious to see the rest of your pieces, Tanya.
Tanya, The larimar is a gorgeous stone. I read that it has many healing properties. Wondering if that is another reason that it is so popular in Japan. Sounds like you have quite an interesting life living in Bangkok. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLarimar is one of my all time favs. when i go to the carribean, i purchase what i can afford...have earrings, and 2 rings. would love to win!!!!
ReplyDeleteoooh Larimar!
ReplyDelete