Product Description
Sterling silver water bearer charm, straight out of the ancient parable. The story (told in full at the end of this listing) reveals what some people see as an “imperfection” may in fact be the difference that enriches the entire community. I’ve included images of the water bearer as both Japanese woodblock print and a Chinese bronze statue. Obviously those are just for reference; Only the bracelet charm is for sale.
This water bearer charm is beautifully sculpted and the front water bucket swings independently from the rest of the charm. The artisan craftsmanship dates from the 1940s or before and measures approximately 1 inch long. This piece is tested to confirm .925 silver content and weighs approximately 3 grams. It was polished by hand; No corrosive solvents or dips were used.
**Our fine jewelry is always boxed for shipping.**
Please take your time with the photos and consider them part of the description. Charms are properly installed when the jump ring is soldered closed. Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to check out the many treasures available in my shop! Purchases from the WhyteWing website benefit The Trevor Project, but if you are more comfortable shopping through a platform like Etsy, this wise gentleman is listed there as well.
Story of the Water Bearer: A water bearer in China had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”
The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.”
Measurements
.75 inches
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