Saturday, March 19, 2011

Japan Relief Auction - Kimono Crane

As most of my regular readers will know, Japan was my beloved home for six years.  I lived there twice, once when single and then later as a newlywed.  It's a country I adore and is filled with people that I love.  A place I hold so dear to my heart.

Last week's tragedy broke my heart, as it did people all around the world, whether you've ever been there or not.  I found it hard to talk about and still do.  I am so lucky however that my friends and their families are all safe, even though quite scared and nervous.

I'd like to help give back to the country that has inspired me for so long now.

I'm going to open two blog auctions today.  The Kimono Crane pictured below, and in a moment, in another post, a bundle of vintage kimono fabrics.

This Japanese origami crane has been hand folded the traditional way, but in antique kimono silk.  The particular kimono this crane comes from was a celebratory gown so comes infused with well wishes.  The words "Joy" and "Love" have been hand embroidered on the wings.



It hangs from a looped ribbon, like this one.  The ribbon is also adorned with Czech and Japanese beads.  The wingspan is about 18cm.


The origami crane is a well-known symbol of peace.  In Japanese culture, the crane is also a symbol of longevity, fidelity and a happy marriage.  

The nitty-gritty of the auction...
  1. The auction ends at 9pm (Brisbane time) on March 26th, 2011.
  2. To bid, leave a comment on this blog post with the amount you wish.  You can keep checking on the post during the week to make sure you haven't been out-bid.  The starting bid is the first bidders choice.
  3. Bids are to be made in Australian dollars, in dollar amounts.
  4. Make sure that when you bid I can contact you somehow if you win, either with a link to your own blog or an email address.
  5. I'll post the crane to yourself (or someone of your choosing) anywhere in the world.
  6. The full winning bid amount will be donated to the Red Cross Japan Disaster Appeal.
For other great Japan Relief auctions and raffles, please visit A Bit Of This and A Bit Of That, the organiser of this event.

So, without further ado... let's get this auction started!

... update... the other auction, a bundle of gorgeous vintage kimono fabrics is now up, over here....

6 comments:

Julia Fleming said...

I lived in Tokyo too and share all your thoughts for that wonderful country and it's people. I would like to open the bidding at $100 for your beautiful item.
Julia (juliarichard@mac.com)

vesna said...

gorgeous crane!!

Baa-Me Kniits said...

The crane is beautiful! I will be back if I get outbid on your other auction :-)

Aussie-waffler said...

You were one of the first people I thought of Melanie. I am so glad to hear that your friends and their families are okay. Your auction is a lovely way of helping. Xx

Swirlyarts said...

Hi there,

I just wanted to let you know that I have featured this raffle on Cuteable this morning - hope it leads to more entries!

Lynsey x

http://cuteable.com/

P.S. Feel free to delete this comment if you wish :)

Leonie @ Cuppa and Cake said...

Oh...bugger, both of your items have flown off the shelf before I could afford to play. I have been thinking of you this week and hoping that all is well with your friends and family. You must have been beside your self with worrie. Leonie xx

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails