Perfect-Imperfect Lao Tzu Wire Pendant

This steel wire pendant has a heart brimming with love and is protected by the power of the spirit. The text in the paper-light pendant is pulled from the pages of The Way of Life by Lao Tzu, to remind us that imperfection is perfection, and contentment in life is key.

The wire was bent into its shape by hand and the verse fused to the wire with light blue encaustic paint which preserves the paper and offers durability to the wearer. It is one of my favorite pieces, and I look forward to sending it off to a new home.

The front reads:

“Most perfect, yet it seems
Imperfect, incomplete:
Its use is not impaired
Filled up, and yet it seems
Poured out an empty void:
It never will run dry.
The straightest, yet it seems
To deviate, to bend;
It looks like clumsiness
The utmost eloquence
It sounds like stammering.”

The back reads:

“Which is dearer, fame or self?
Which is worth more, man or self?
Which would hurt more, gain or loss?
The mean man pays the highest price;
The hoarder takes the greatest loss;
A man content is never shamed,
And self-restrained, is not in danger
He will live forever.”

The pendant measures 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/4 inches and comes with a black satin necklace cord.