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What is an Ojime bead?
1 Answer
An ojime bead is a handcrafted decorative bead that is used in carrying cases. These beads are carved into specific shapes or feature images. They originated in Japan, and ojime in Japanese means “cord fastener.” The beads are usually 1 inch or less in diameter.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
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Michael Kneebone Mixed Metal Ojime Bead Dangle Earrings
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
Mixed metal ojime beads are featured in these whimsical dangle earrings.
Category
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Materials
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Mixed Metal
Fine Five-Case Japanese Edo Period Inro, with Shibayama Ojime and Netsuke
Located in Chesterland, OH
An ojime is the small sliding bead that sits between the inrō and the netsuke, helping secure the cord.
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Boxes and Cases
Japanese Five-Case Inro with Benkei and Yoshitsune, Edo–Meiji Period
Located in Chesterland, OH
The ensemble is completed with a signed antique bronze ojime—the small sliding bead used to secure the cord—formed as a lotus flower and dating to the Meiji period, together with a w...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Boxes and Cases
Edo Period Japanese Five-Case Inro with Plum Blossoms, Bird, Netsuke
Located in Chesterland, OH
This example is organically shaped and textured in a rustic wabi-style manner, showing honest wear and naturally smoothed cord apertures.
A lacquered wood ojime, the small sliding b...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Japanese Boxes and Cases
