Antique Buddhist Prayer Beads - Wooden Japanese

Description
Beautiful string of antique Buddhist mala prayer beads or shozoiki jyu-zu as they are called in Japanese. Prayer beads were first introduced into Japan along with Buddhism during the 6th century. The 1848 woodblock print image included below depicts the famous kabuki actor Okawa Hashizo as the priest Saigyo standing before Mt. Fuji with a string of prayer beads in his left hand. Japanese prayer beads are used to count devotions and are always carried by Buddhist priests and frequently by lay Buddhists at weddings, funerals and other ceremonial occasions. Japanese tea houses may also sometimes have a string of prayer beads hanging from the wall as a sign of reverence. Many Japanese prayer beads are sanctified by being blessed by a priest over a cloud of incense.

About the Listed Item
This very long antique strand of Buddhist prayer beads dates from the mid Japanese Showa period (1926-1989) and includes 112 beads total; including one large "guru" bead with an attached tassel. The darker beads are all made of wood however the three white-colored markers beads may be shell or stone. The entire piece is in good condition though there are a few beads which are chipped and all of the beads wear a darkened patina of age. The tassel which is connected to the guru bead is also somewhat frayed and worn. Please read below to learn more about the history and function of Buddhist prayer beads.

Size:
Length (approximate): 44 inches (114 centimeters)
Weight: 3.8 ounces (109 grams)

More about Buddhist Prayer Beads
Buddhist prayer beads also known as mala are similar in form and function to worry beads associated with many religions. Mala are thought to have originated in India around 500 BC as a counting aid for religious pupils who were required to repeat their prayers a specific number of times but who were unable to count. Mala are used such that one prayer or mantra is recited for each bead. The counting starts with the guru bead (bead with tassel) which is thought to represent the Buddha and proceeds all the way around the string. When the guru bead is again encountered the counting may then continue in the opposite direction. The bead count is commonly interrupted in only two places (besides the guru bead) indicated by slightly smaller beads which are thought to represent mid-level Buddhas and humans on the verge of enlightenment. Mala, like worry beads the world over, are commonly carried by religious clergy and devoted believers. The beads are thought to help individuals seeking spiritual focus and are often cited as a source of comfort and peace by those who use them regularly.

item code: R1S5-0003396
ship code: L1650

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Antique
• Buddhist
• Prayer
• Beads
• Wooden
• Japanese
• Mala
• Japan
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[slypher37]

hi there were can i buy prayer beads that are in a braclet plz answer as soon as possible

may blessings follow you through life

[theoldtokaido]

Thank you for your interest in Japanese prayer beads. We do carry an assortment of prayer beads within our eBay store "The Old Tokaido". To find our store please search for our store name in Google or within eBay or look for our selling ID "softypapa". Thank you again for viewing our video. Please let me know if you have any trouble finding our eBay store.

[bakdjkafgs]

i was wondering what the size of the beads are? (mm)

[ryusho2000]

for you information this is a piece of tibetan prayer bead, definitely not JAPANESE, please do more homework!

[khuyvoyne]

Hi there, do you still have other type of juzu beads?How much is that one cost? Thank you.