Men's Prayer Beads, Kiso Cypress, 22 Beads, Crystal Finish

Men's Prayer Beads, Kiso Cypress, 22 Beads, Crystal Finish

Kiso cypress refers to natural hinoki cypress growing across the Kiso and Ura-Kiso regions (southern Hida, Tono). Ordinary hinoki reaches building-timber maturity in 30 to 40 years, but Kiso cypress needs 70 to 80 years, a result of the cold climate of Nagano's Kiso valley -- harsh conditions that make growth slow but produce timber of exceptional quality. Valued for centuries in important architecture, including the core pillar of Horyu-ji's five-story pagoda, hinoki is prized for its straight growth, beautiful grain, durability, and antibacterial properties. Kiso cypress in particular shows dramatically finer growth rings and more beautiful grain than ordinary hinoki. According to the artisan who made these beads, natural Kiso cypress had likely never before been used this generously as a prayer bead material. Held in the hand, its fragrant scent comes through clearly; here it is finished with crystal, a neutral choice that lets the wood's soft coloring take center stage.

Product Specifications

Item Number: 631w840000000
Parent Bead (Oyadama): Approx. 0.59 in (1.5 cm) – Crystal
Main Beads (Shudama): Approx. 0.47 in (1.2 cm) – Kiso Cypress
Top Bead (Tendama): Approx. 0.31 in (0.8 cm) – Crystal
Note: Currently sold out.