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Antique Japanese wooden prayer beads / wall hanging object / 1800s

$1,000
£767.90
€880.91
CA$1,405.12
A$1,573.64
CHF 821.10
MX$19,221.37
NOK 10,446.79
SEK 9,847.36
DKK 6,574.10

About the Item

This is a "Hyakumanben Nenbutsu Juzu" (Hyakumanben Nembutsu Prayer Beads), crafted between the late Edo and Meiji periods (19th century). Hyakumanben Nembutsu Juzu refers to the giant prayer beads used in the "Hyakumanben Nembutsu" Buddhist ritual. Several people form a circle, fold the entire juzu, and raise it above their heads, passing it around to the person in the circle to ward off misfortune and pray for peace in the community and for the peace of their family. It became widespread in Japan as a folk belief, particularly during the Edo period, and was an important Buddhist tool that supported the spirit of not only temples but also village communities. We have found documents (dating from the Edo period) of similar items, which we have included here for reference. This item, with its countless lustrous beads in a deep brown, is strikingly beautiful, making it not only a Buddhist altar accessory but also a highly appealing objet d'art. When hung on the wall, its slender lines and delicate curves stand out, creating a presence reminiscent of an abstract work of art. It can be displayed in a variety of ways, from neatly woven as shown in the photo to straight, and enjoyed for its various expressions to suit your mood. Historic Buddhist altar items like this are rarely seen in modern times and are extremely rare. While we previously handled a similar, larger, longer rosary, this piece is more compact, making it suitable for a typical home or gallery space. It exudes a sense of history and prayer while blending seamlessly into modern spaces. As shown in the first image, the dimensions are 56cm wide x 1cm deep x 146cm high when hung on the wall, and 286cm long when stretched out. It weighs just 0.4kg, making it easy to handle when displayed. Product Number: OB298 [Our Social Role] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are a specialized team dealing in antiques and vintage items, comprised of stores based on three distinct brands. While focusing on Japanese items, we also offer a carefully curated selection of attractive goods from around the world—each evoking the culture and history of its country of origin. Unlike the traditional Japanese antique furniture and art that have been appreciated overseas until now, we shine a light on the tools and furniture that were used for many years in ordinary Japanese homes and farmhouses. These objects have gained a unique charm over time, their beauty deepened by the history accumulated through daily life. In today’s world, however, many of these precious items are discarded during home demolitions. We are committed to reassessing their value and passing them on to future generations. Drawing from our extensive experience—having seen tens of thousands of items through direct purchases, markets, and auction houses—we carefully select and present only the most captivating pieces. This is something made possible only through the years of knowledge and expertise we have cultivated. Rather than focusing on the widely known facets of Japanese art and culture, we highlight the subtle beauty born from the everyday life of common people. It is this rediscovered beauty, steeped in history, that we strive to share with the world.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 57.49 in (146 cm)Width: 22.05 in (56 cm)Depth: 0.4 in (1 cm)
  • Style:
    Edo (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th century
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Sammu-shi, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5487246110462

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