West and east

Before the Americas were discovered, Europe was considered the "west".   Until the middle 1800s, the two broad sections of the world east of Europe were termed "near east" and "far east".  Today's blog combines a cuff or bracelet with Celtic knot designs from the west and a copy of a Japanese sword or katana from the Far East.  West meeting east in form and function.

Cuffs or bracelets have been objects of wealth and fashion for millenia but in many cultures, they served a very important function.  A cuff of metal or strong leather protected the swordsman's wrist, with it's delicate tendons and arteries, from being sliced by a blade while still allowing a full range of motion.

To see larger images, double click on them.

Thanks to the artisans at Reflective Images in Santa Fe for their timeless designs and beautiful work.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image