Delightful Discoveries - Domo Arigato 10.10.10

Domo Arigato is a Japanese phrase of thanks... and a sentiment I would like to extend to all of the people who follow my blog, send me their WONDERFUL items to share with all of my readers, help me promote other shops, and just generally are incredibly supportive of my meager contribution to the blogosphere! Domo Arigato!!!!

Today's incredible collection features all types of oriental themed wonderfulness - from artwork to home decor, from food to fashion, jewelry, soap, and accessories... a little something for everyone! Enjoy!



Dragons in the Orient are associated with wisdom and longevity, usually possessing some form of magic or supernatural power.

Hong Kong Garden - OOAK Pretty Beaded Asian Fan Pendant Necklace by faerymoongoddess






To the Chinese, the willow symbolizes vitality and strength; birds are a symbol of good fortune.

HANDMADE GOLD PAINTED WOOD TRAY, ORIENTAL WILLOW TREES - ooak by paintedturtlestudio












Those unique and complex symbols that make up Chinese text are called Han characters. (Hanzi in Mandarin)

Chinese Inspirational Soap Stones by spottedcowsoaps








The Japanese counterpart to Chinese Han characters are kanji.

Soulmate - Original Japanese Calligraphy - Pink Flower Edition by tennyoceres








The number of Chinese characters contained in the Kangxi (traditional Chinese) dictionary is approximately 47,035. A person is considered literate if they know between 3-4 thousand of them.

Cosmetics Make up Wristlet Zipper Pouch, Asian Print, Navy Blue White by KnitzyBlonde

Ancient Japanese people believed that a thin stick had magical power. They used their hair ornaments as talismans to protect them from evil.


Asian Inspired Hair Sticks w Cloisonne and Antiqued Brass Fan by MysticWynd

Cultural norms in many Asian countries still favor male children over female.

pencil drawing by vikotas **

Chop suey is a traditional Asian dish, right? Think again! It actually originated in the United States! Same goes for fortune cookies!

Wok and Roll Cufflinks by SchickieMickie

The word "geisha" means "person of the arts" - so it shouldn't surprise you that the earliest geisha were actually men!

Golden Japanese 2 Geishas Throw Pillow by AuntBatt

One silkworm cocoon produces about 1,000 meters of raw silk. 111 cocoons are needed for a man's tie, and 630 cocoons are needed for a woman's blouse.

EOS Sale! Sample Pack - Fat 8ths - Asian Prints - Black Purple Blue from LindaSFabricStash

The crane is a beautiful symbol of honor, loyalty and strength in Japanese culture. The crane is a bird that mates for life making images of the animal a popular feature in traditional Asian or Asian inspired weddings. It is believed that the person who is able to fold 1,000 (origami) cranes will be granted their greatest wish in life.

Pearlescent Damask Peace Crane Origami Permanent Ornament by localcolorist







Dragon pearls can be found in many traditional cultures. In the Chinese tradition, dragons are usually depicted chasing a pearl. The dragon's pearl is an embryonic form of the "tai ji" (yin/yang), symbolizing wisdom and pure spirit.

Mother of Pearl Business Credit Name Card Holder ID Money Case with Dragon Ball Design by nacreart









There are eight basic strokes used to create any one Chinese character.

Two Handmade Oriental Jasmine Silk and Shea Butter Soaps by dolisoap







In the 2008 Summer Olympics, cheongsams were the uniforms for the medal bearers.


Vintage teal oriental cheongsam wiggle dress from mightybeauregard **













"Kung Fu" translates to "hard work."

Kung Fu Master - large by myKokeshi







I"ll be back tomorrow with a look at alternative metals in jewelry. I hope you'll join me for this shopping trip through great pieces featuring brass, bronze, zinc, aluminum, and many other alternative metals.

Míng tiān jiàn (See you tomorrow!)


**designates an undiscovered or underdiscovered shop