Aoi's Braclet

Worn and yellowed with age, Aoi's braclet is one of the few heirlooms Sumire and Ryu have to remember their mother by.

Description

A yellowed hoop of carved deer antler smoothed by careful craftsmanship and years for wear. Leather cords wrap around the bone in a tight braid. Upon the exterior face of the piece are the words 'My beloved bow/ With you, I share my one life' engraved in the Yoru script.

Manufacturing process

Such braclets are common handfast gifts amongst the Yoru.
The braclet begins as an antler freshly shorn from a deer. The antler is then cleaned thoroughly and carved into roughly to the desired thickness before set in boiling water to soften the material.
Once soft, the antler is retrieved and bent into shape. Wrapping the bent antler in cord, it is placed in an oven to set its shape as jewlery.
For finishing touches, the braclet is engraved with words from the prospective husband, often a short poem expressing their affection.

Significance

The braclet was originally an engagement gift for Aoi and was one of the few possessions she was able to take with her when she was forced to flee Kyama during the Hokubu March after her fiance was killed in the conflict.
Before she passed away, Aoi gave the braclet to Sumire to assure her that she is loved and cherished by her family no matter that she inherited her nameless father's magic.
Now the braclet serves as a totem for Sumire as she deals with the stresses and insecurities that come with her life on stage.

Item type

Jewelry / Valuable

Current Holder

Sumire Kosaka

Related ethnicities

• Yoru

Rarity

One of a kind

Raw materials & Components

Deer antler and leather