Post by suewerry on Dec 9, 2011 1:56:47 GMT -5
The earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan and took thousands of lives last March have given birth to a new appreciation of ancient Japanese values that some say had been long forgotten. Jade Bangle This year, Ms. Sano has introduced a new line inspired by the virtues attributed to the samurai warriors of Japan, an ancient nobility whose culture, imbued with Buddhist traditions, permeated society. Jade Necklaces For Ms. Sano, who was in Tokyo last March 11, the earthquake was both a life-shattering and regenerative event. For many Japanese, the immediate aftermath of the disaster felt like a monumental defeat, the second in its recent history, after World War II. Jade Jewelry Still, after the war, Japan managed to rise again to become an economic powerhouse. ¡°When the economy was strong, people believed they could be self-sufficient and did not need to share with others,¡± Ms. Sano said. Jade Rings Since the earthquake, the country has seen a return to the values of serenity, dignity and mutual assistance, which Ms. Sano says have always been part of the fundamental fabric of Japan and a heritage of its samurai culture.