The Legend
The Japanese character 死 or shi, holds significant cultural and linguistic weight in Japan. At its most literal level, 死 translates to "death" in English. However, its cultural implications go beyond a mere dictionary definition.
In Japanese culture, 死 is deeply intertwined with Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, influencing the way death is perceived and treated. Death is not viewed as the end but rather as a transition, marking the passage from one state of existence to another. This perspective has shaped various aspects of Japanese customs, rituals, and art.
While 死 symbolizes the inevitable end of life, it is also associated with the cyclical nature of existence and the concept of reincarnation. This nuanced perspective is reflected in traditional Japanese art, literature, and even contemporary media, where themes of mortality and the transient nature of life are explored.
The SHI 死 Pendant
The SHI 死 pendant is not merely a symbol of finality but a reminder of life's transient beauty and the inevitability of change. The pendant serves as a contemplative piece, inviting wearers to embrace the impermanence of existence and find beauty in the cycle of life and rebirth. Crafted by hand and forged from traditional folded steel, this beautiful piece also comes with a custom bamboo box.
The pendant also encourages a deeper reflection on the Japanese cultural perspective towards mortality, where death is not viewed with fear but as an integral part of the natural order. Wearing the 死 pendant is a celebration of life's precious moments and an acknowledgment of the interconnectedness between life and death.
Safety
As the smith does not mix chromium into the metal, your SHI pendant should be kept away from water. We have applied a layer of lacquer to give the pendant a measure of water resistance, but it is always better to be safe than sorry! As this layer will eventually wear off over the course of normal wear, it is highly recommended to replace it with a jewelry sealant (or an alternative) in a month or so to protect the finishing of the pendant and maintain its water resistance.
Stainless Option
Due to popular demand, we now offer a stainless clad variant of the pendant! The metals used in the forging of this piece are of a lower carbon content with a limited chromium mix in order to provide greatly increased resistance to water based corrosion. Please note that this metal is not fully stainless, and thus should not be left exposed to water for extended periods of time.
