Unique Vintage Sterling Lotus Flower Link Belt & Buckle Start Price USD 175.00 Current Price USD 175.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, November 14, 2008 End Time Friday, November 28, 2008 Location Orlando, FL See more about 'Unique Vintage Sterling Lotus Flower Link Belt & Buckle' Description This came from the "Garfield" family, one of the first American families to go to Japan after WW2.   The family purchased and brought back many valuables.  This fantastic, rare, and spiritually symbolic belt is one of them.   BELT IS SIGNED, SEE PHOTO, SORRY, I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE MARKINGS  (INTERPRETATION WELCOME)  I AM NOT SURE IF THE BELT IS JAPANESE, MAY BE CHINESE, OR OTHER ASIAN  MAKER.    ~ FULLY HAND WROUGHT,  SILVER, TWENTY TWO (22) ROUND FLAT LINKS, EACH LINK IS  PIERCED AND ETCHED / INCISED INTO A "MIRRORED"  DOUBLE LOTUS FLOWER DESIGN.  THE SILVER BUCKLE IS CONVEX SHAPED, WITH A PIERCED ETCHED / INCISED CHICKEN ON IT. EACH DISK IS APX 1 1/4"  BUCKLE APX 1 3/4".  THE JUMP RINGS ARE SOLDERED.   MEASURES 32 1/2" LONG.   THERE IS A HOOK ON THE BUCKLE AND ONE ON THE LAST LINK FOR EASY ADJUSTING TO ANY SIZE SMALLER, OR TO LEAVE A "HANG TAIL".  TOTAL WEIGHT ON POSTAL SCALE IS 94 1/2 GRAMS.  NICE EVEN PATINA, WHICH I DID NOT POLISH.  EXCELLENT CONDITION.   THIS IS AN EXTREMELY RARE PIECE OF FUNCTIONAL ANTIQUE  ART  LOADED WITH ESOTERIC MEANINGS.     Here's a little information about the Lotus Flower The lotus flower is a truly unique and amazing sign of nature. This flower actually grows in muddy waters and then it will rise to the surface. Once doing so, it then blooms with spectacular beauty and grace. In the fashion of one of nature’s miracles, this amazing flower will sink below the surface with each nightfall. When the sun rises, the flower will reappear with all its amazing color intact. Representing health, honor, long life and good luck, this flower is ever so popular. There are many varieties of the lotus flower. The Eastern lotus is known as a symbol of spirituality. The Egyptian lotus flower represents the sun, rebirth and creation. In addition, the Christian lotus is referred to as the flower of the white lily and represents purity. The Indian lotus gives meaning to wealth, knowledge and enlightenment. Though Buddhism adopted the concept of "Om Mani Padme Hum" – a hymn that celebrates the ‘jewel in lotus’-the essence and spirit being invested in the core of all mankind, which can glow into radiant brightness if he can save himself from the debris of life. Lotus as a Symbol Lotus as a flower symbolizes the journey and advancement of the soul through the realization of the material world to be one with the supreme soul. In Hindu Mythology, the utterance of first, ’om’ brought forth the first "golden lotus" and the lotus is also the seat of Brahma (the creator), thus making it a strong creation archetype. The stalk of lotus originating in Vishnu’s (the preserver) navel also presents it as the umbilical cord in the creation of universe. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge are also seated on lotus. It is said that Tutenkhamen’s body was covered with blue lotus when his tomb was opened in 1922Not only in Egyptian and Hindu mythology is it a strong symbol, in China as well, Lotus is a symbol of creation. It also represents the seventh month. The lotus grows in the muddy water of still ponds and lakes. The magnificent blossom unfolds gradually, one petal at a time, till full-bloom in the morning when the sun's rays touch the flower. As the lotus awakens and blooms at the first rays of the morning sun, the interdependence between the lotus and the sun is a symbol of love.The plant has its roots deep in the soil under water. The long, cylindrical stalk passes through the water and rises above the water's surface. The mud in which the lotus roots grow represents material life, while the water through which the stalk passes represents the astral world. When the plant reaches the surface of the water and opens its bud to the sun, it represents spiritual being. The crown chakra—the energy center at the top of the head—is also called “The Thousand-Petalled Lotus”, which is a symbol of final revelation. It is believed that the transformation of the world into paradise can occur through the lotus, which expounds fully the oneness of all life. In Buddhist tradition, the fully opened lotus has a strong solar character, and its petals are likened to the rays of the sun; it is a symbol of enlightenment. In the Egyptian tradition, also, the same theme is repeated. Meditating on the lotus brings harmony into all aspects of our being, within and without. Given the lotus plant’s potency as a symbol, and its thousands of years of association with spiritual practice in many traditions, we believe that this essence is the foremost flower essence on this planet. Great energy from this belt.  Good to use as a meditative medium. Will be shipped priority and with insurance.  I do all shipping on Mondays.     Place a Bid!