This bracelet is based on a couple different things. The Japanese archipelago is east of the Asian mainland and is thus where the sun "rises. The term Empire of The Sun or Land of the Rising Sun refers to the Japanese Empire because the sun has been on their flag since the days of the samurais. It's basically means ‘where the day begins.’ There is also a movie called Empire of the Sun based on the book by J.G. Ballard and directed by Spielberg. It's a fantastic adventure story about a boy who has to survive on his own through many hardships and adversities. His life and head are filled with lots of swashbuckling adventure and his approach to life and a desire to stay alive see him through. There are many great lessons to be learned in this book and they do fill you with a profound sense of meaning to life. I think this is what kinda inspired this bracelet...where does the day begin and where can it take you. I know, it may be a stretch, but it’s what this piece is all about. When I first saw these Hand-Painted African Glass Beads I thought of a sun burst and that they do have a resemblance of the old Japanese flag with the rising sun. It also made me think of this old book and film and the question of where the sun actually starts to rise. The Hand-Carved & Smooth Water Buffalo Bone give this a real Southeast Asian tribal feel to it…something from the jungle. The Bone Mala Skull is there as a reminder to be open to where the day may take you and what kind of outlook you should have to meet it. Look to where the sun rises, turn, start moving in the other direction, have some fun adventures along the way and eventually you'll get to wherever you need to get to. Smell the roses…