Buddha Bead

Shop this unique buddha bead, a type of Ojime bead that historically dates back to the 17th century of Edo era Japan. Initially created to serve as a fastener for inro containers, which held medicine, and signature seals, vital in Japanese culture, these delicate and intimate handmade beads are highly prized and collected as forms of bead jewelry necklaces and bracelets.

This particular handmade buddha form bead dates to 1870-1880, representing the Meiji era’s beginning. The Meiji period is considered the golden age of imperial arts. Metalwork of this era is exceptionally refined. Examples such as this bead, which displays complex combinations of copper, bronze, silver, and gold, are a world wonder of handmade jewelry and metalwork.

This bead, composed of mixed metals, including silver, bronze, copper, and gold leafing, would be a fine and alluring bead for a handmade beaded necklace or beaded bracelet; it may ornament as a link in a strand of other similar beads or as a centerpiece bead medallion. This theme displays the seated buddha Shakyamuni or Gautama buddha in the Japanese practice of Zen Buddhism.

This bead measures 0.80 inches in height.

The bead displays minor tarnish, surface wear, and surface oxidation.